Environmental Specialist

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 new Environmental Specialist to join its Environmental Services Division at Field Office #6 in Washington, Iowa. In this role, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals to support the department's mission of conserving and enhancing Iowa's natural resources, improving quality of life, and securing a sustainable legacy for future generations.

Serving a 16-county region across southeast Iowa, you will promote compliance with environmental laws to ensure local residents and businesses benefit from a safe, clean environment.

As an Environmental Specialist, your core responsibilities will center on conducting on-site inspections across a wide variety of 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. These inspections involve taking environmental contaminant samples and interpreting scientific data.

Additionally, you will be responsible for managing and analyzing data within DNR databases to prepare for investigations, monitor ongoing compliance, handle public inquiries, and compile official communications and reports.

Communication and emergency response are also vital components of this position. You will routinely explain regulatory requirements and present factual findings to the public, local officials, environmental professionals, and regulated parties through both written reports and verbal meetings.

Furthermore, you will investigate reported environmental violations and respond directly to hazardous chemical spills and underground storage tank releases. Performing these investigations requires applying scientific principles, analyzing geographic and facility records, executing physical inspections, and interpreting environmental sampling data.

• Inspect and determine compliance with environmental programs, including but not limited to public water supplies, waste water treatment, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources and control equipment, storm water controls, sanitary disposal projects and regulated underground storage tanks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, technical information, regulatory requirements, department policies, procedures, and guidance to public officials, industrial professionals, and others.
• Use PC based computer systems and software, routinely and effectively, for oral and written communication, and to utilize databases, develop spreadsheets, research reference documents, and analyze data.
• Work outdoors and withstand physically demanding conditions frequently and for fairly long periods, including

traversing rough terrain and stream banks and activities such as stooping, climbing ladders, and bending and lifting up to 25 pounds.

• Take instructions or requests from Supervisor and Lead Worker.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, DNR staff, stakeholders and the public.
• Travel frequently during the work week with an occasional overnight stay.
• Respond to emergency response calls during periods when on-call, and follow up on-site as needed.

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

• 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 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…