Air Quality Section Supervisor

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a visionary and results-oriented leader to serve as the Section Supervisor (Public Service Manager
1) for the Title V Operating Permits and Emission Inventory Section within the Air Quality Bureau. The Air Quality Bureau partners with communities, business and industry, organizations, and private citizens, to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to create workable solutions to ensure that Iowa's excellent air quality is maintained throughout the state.

This leadership role will specifically be responsible for overseeing both the staff and activities undertaken within the Title V Operating Permit and Emissions Inventory sections including timely issuance of Title V operating permits to industry; and the collection and accurate reporting to the Governor, state legislature, EPA, industry, and the public, of point and non-point source emissions inventory data within the State of Iowa.

• Workflow Optimization: Determine priorities, distribute workloads, and resolve conflicting deadlines to ensure section goals are met.
• Technical Oversight: Review staff work products for accuracy and consistency with state/federal laws and administrative rules.
• Efficiency & Innovation: Analyze business practices and staffing to implement changes that improve effectiveness without compromising environmental integrity.
• Budgeting & Resources: Assist in preparing the annual operating budget; monitor expenditures and negotiate work‑plan agreements with the EPA.

• Mentorship: Establish performance plans, conduct annual appraisals, and create tailored professional development paths for all team members.
• Team Culture: Foster a work environment rooted in diversity, respect, accountability, and ethical business practices.
• Empowerment: Encourage staff to suggest innovative solutions to complex environmental problems.

• Inter‑Agency
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Maintain productive relationships with the EPA and oversee local program contracts with Linn and Polk Counties.
• Public Representation: Act as a spokesperson for the section in meetings with the general public, elected officials, and industry stakeholders.
• Regulatory Expert: Lead the development of administrative rules and provide comments on proposed federal regulations impacting Iowa’s air quality.

• Leadership Excellence: Proven ability to manage professional staff and navigate complex personnel processes (hiring, performance reviews, and grievances).
• Strategic Thinking: Experience in budget administration and the ability to align section activities with a larger departmental strategic plan.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to translate technical data and regulatory requirements for media, stakeholders, and legislative bodies.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with state and federal environmental laws and administrative rule‑making processes –particularly in the area of Air Quality.

Leads staff by demonstrating a broad knowledge base of DNR programs, policies, operational abilities and regulatory requirements.

Implements programs by demonstrating a broad knowledge of air quality technical information, rules, policies, procedures, and guidance.

Analyzes organizational and operational problems and to negotiate timely and effective solutions to air quality issues in a positive and constructive manner.

Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with staff, clients, consultants, stakeholders, other government officials, and the general public.

Supervises the work of subordinate staff demonstrating knowledge of principles, techniques and trends of public administration, including financial management, labor relations, and resource management.

Accountability, Attention to Detail, Budgeting, Computer Skills, Communication Skills (Written and Oral), Problem Solving, Common Sense, Critical Thinking and…