Program Planner

Overview

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a unique and exciting position available within the Environmental Services Division, Financial & Business Assistance Section (FABA), located in Des Moines, Iowa. The position will further the DNR’s mission to conserve and enhance our natural resources through statewide solid waste management, reduction and recycling programs, and the fiscal management of FABA programs. It includes the development and management of budgets, reviewing expenses, and tracking and documenting financial records for the Landfill Alternative Financial Assistance (LAFA) and the Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) programs.

The role also manages the Solid Waste Alternatives Professional Development Assistance Grant (PDA) Program, supporting the professional development of Iowa's solid waste professionals and educators. Responsibilities include reviewing and recommending funding for PDA applicants, preparing and managing contracts for PDA recipients, and monitoring and documenting their progress. It also involves researching education information and resources, and developing implementation tools, program case studies, educational surveys, and materials to support marketing and education efforts related to the program and its goals.

Specific duties include coordinating budget development submissions from section program staff and incorporating approved budgets within the department's centralized budget tracking program, tracking purchases, expenditures, and grant and loan financial claims, completing budgetary and financial reporting with UCC filings to the Secretary of State, managing and monitoring ACH electronic loan payments, and transferring documents to the Iowa Department of Revenue for review and collection of delinquent accounts when necessary.

Manage scheduling, delivery, and inventory details of the Mobile Education Exhibit, marketing the exhibit to organizations, schools, and businesses; accepting reservations, contracting transportation and maintenance services, and identifying and assisting in updating or improving the exhibit's content and message.

Use associated computer databases and software for tracking expenses and project deliverables, ensuring data security, accuracy, and substantiation. Develop statistics, performance metrics, and supporting materials for data summaries and reports, and train staff to use databases and outputs. Serve as liaison between section staff and IT staff for database enhancements. Coordinate with other staff to evaluate project proposals, make recommendations regarding contractor selection, participate in development of financial agreements and contract meetings, and assist with program marketing and implementation.

Identify areas for program improvement and enhancement. Occasional statewide travel may be required for meetings, seminars, and site visits to verify appropriate application of funds.

Coordinates and manages program data through PC-based computer systems, software and databases. Develops statistics and prepares reports and data to complete technical, financial, and economic research, and to respond to data requests from internal and external customers. Analyzes and interprets information and data to reach conclusions and provide recommendations. Aids in the fiscal management of program financial and operating budgets. Allocates and accounts for the use of fiscal resources and follows guidelines, regulations, and policies when committing fiscal resources or processing financial transactions.

Administers and physically maintains the Mobile Education Exhibit.

• Communication Skills
• Computer Skills
• Customer Focus
• High Productivity
• Integrity
• Interpersonal Skills
• Problem Solving
• Team Player
• Technical Skills – Budget and Contract Management

• A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage.
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid…