Environmental Specialist

About the role

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking an Environmental Specialist to join its Environmental Services Division at Field Office #6 in Washington, Iowa. The position serves a 16-county region across southeast Iowa and supports the department's mission of conserving and enhancing Iowa's natural resources.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site inspections of various regulated sites including public water supplies, wastewater treatment plants, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources, storm water controls, sanitary disposal projects, underground storage tanks, and floodplains.
• Take environmental contaminant samples and interpret scientific data.
• Manage and analyze data within DNR databases to prepare for investigations, monitor ongoing compliance, handle public inquiries, and compile official communications and reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, technical information, regulatory requirements, department policies, procedures, and guidance to public officials, industrial professionals, and others.
• Investigate reported environmental violations and respond directly to hazardous chemical spills and underground storage tank releases.

Requirements

• Must possess, obtain and maintain a valid Iowa driver's license.
• Travel frequently during the work week to perform inspections, attend meetings, and investigate environmental complaints and spills.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science; OR an equivalent combination of experience and education substituting one year of full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.

Skills

• Accountability
• Integrity
• High Productivity
• Customer Focus
• Team Player
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Computer Skills
• Self-Management
• Technical Skills (Environmental compliance/regulations/rules)

Benefits

• A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).

Pay

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable).

Schedule

Frequent travel during the work week to perform inspections, attend meetings, and investigate environmental complaints and spills.

Contact Information

To apply, please visit the DNR Employment webpage: DNR Employment. For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.