Environmental Specialist

About the role

Are you passionate about being a good steward to our natural resources, educating others on how to protect the environment, and using science and math research methods to assist others with the protection of our state air quality? If so, you might be that perfect fit for an open position within the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Air Quality Bureau.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing the state ambient air monitoring network so that the public, stakeholders, and policy makers have adequate data to make informed decisions regarding Iowa’s air quality.
• Work to review and update annual ambient air monitoring contracts with local air programs and the State Hygienic Laboratory.
• Avoid administrative tasks such as reviewing invoices and tracking budgets, assessing contract deliverables, reviewing reports, conducting audits, and participating in contractor meetings to review performance.
• Coordinate with contractors to site new or relocate existing monitors in accordance with Bureau monitoring objectives and EPA siting criteria, as well as work with contractors to develop equipment replacement plans, purchase monitoring equipment, maintain equipment inventory, and track equipment budgets.
• Develop, review and update Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Assurance Project Plans and Quality Management Plans.
• Develop new monitoring methods and laboratory analytical procedures or other special purpose monitoring plans.
• Assemble, review and perform statistical analysis of ambient air data to evaluate results and monitor performance.
• Compute pollutant design values to determine compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); prepare annual State and Local Air Monitoring Stations (SLAMS) network data certification for submittal to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); develop an annual ambient air monitoring network plan for stakeholder input and submittal to the EPA; and develop other reports to summarize air quality data for the public, stakeholders, and air quality planners.
• Routinely check pollution levels recorded by continuous air monitors and respond to pollutant exceedances.
• Notify the public of elevated pollution levels through press releases or other agencies, respond to media and public inquiries; develop and update pollutant exceedance reports and provide stakeholders with data reports from EPA’s AQS database.
• Work assigned coverage on some weekends.

Requirements

• Read, interpret, and understand ambient air monitoring regulations, guidance, and quality assurance procedures.
• Perform statistical analysis of air monitoring data and interpret results.
• Prepare professional reports and plans for the public and EPA.
• Gather relevant information systematically, seek input from others, consider a broad range of issues or factors, grasp complexities, and perceive relationships among data, events, problems or issues.
• Understand and evaluate technical information related to the job.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with staff, clients, consultants, stakeholders, other government officials, media, and the general public.

Critical Job Competencies

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Computer Skills
• Communication Skills (Written and Oral)
• Complex Problem Solving
• Common Sense
• Critical Thinking and Reasoning
• Customer Focus
• Flexibility
• High Productivity
• Integrity
• Interpersonal Skills
• Self-Management
• Team Player
• Technical Skills (emphasis on air quality rules, policies and procedures)

What You Get From Us

• 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).
• The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation.
• Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
• Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
• Workout/Gym facilities available onsite at 6200 Park Ave.

Comments

• The successful candidate will need to be able to:
• Work independently to plan, organize and deliver consistent results with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate a capacity to adjust to change, work pressures or difficult situations without undue stress.
• Encourage and demonstrate initiative, a customer service and team orientation, and display of high standards of ethical conduct.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in 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.