Job Description
Are you passionate about improving water quality and making a lasting impact on Iowa’s environment and natural resources? Do you want to work alongside dedicated professionals with a shared goal of enhancing opportunities through environmental conservation and protection? If so, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites you to apply for the position of Environmental Specialist in Field Office 5 of the DNR Field Services & Compliance Bureau!
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare for and conduct on-site inspections of public water supplies, wastewater treatment facilities, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources and control equipment, storm water control, sanitary disposal projects, and regulated underground storage tank systems, and floodplains, as directed. This includes knowledge and review of applicable regulations, scientific principles, facility records, and geographic information, and physical inspection of facilities. Inspections include sampling for environmental contaminants and interpretation of scientific data.
- Access, input, interpret, and manage data in computer systems and databases of the Department related to regulated facilities and environmental monitoring. Utilize computer systems in preparation for investigations, monitoring environmental compliance, retrieval of data in response to inquiries, and preparation of reports and other communications. This includes use of multiple database systems and the MS Office Suite.
- Communicate regulatory requirements and factual findings to the general public and regulated parties. This includes verbal and written communication and meetings with public officials, the general public, environmental professionals, and regulated parties, and written reports of investigations.
- Prepare for and conduct investigations of complaints of environmental violations, and respond to spills of hazardous chemicals and to releases from underground storage tanks. This includes knowledge and review of applicable regulations, scientific principles, facility records, and geographic information, and physical inspection of facilities or events. Inspections include sampling for environmental contaminants and interpretation of scientific data.
Essential Functions
- Inspects and determines compliance with environmental programs, including but not limited to public water supplies, wastewater treatment, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources and control equipment, storm water controls, sanitary disposal projects and regulated underground storage tanks.
- Communicates clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, technical information, regulatory requirements, department policies, procedures, and guidance to public officials, industrial professionals, and others, while maintaining flexibility, adjusting to change, work pressures, and difficult situations.
- Analyzes data, develops spreadsheets, utilizes databases, and researches reference documents using PC based computer systems and software and routinely and effectively communicates information to stakeholders, staff, and the public.
- Works outdoors for fairly long periods of time, while withstanding physically demanding conditions frequently, and traversing rough terrain and stream banks while completing activities such as stooping, climbing ladders, bending and lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Travels frequently during the work week to perform inspections, attend meetings, and investigate environmental complaints and spills.
- Responds to emergency response calls during periods when on-call, and follows up on-site as needed.
Critical Job Competencies
- Must possess an Iowa Driver's License or obtain one.
- Core Competencies: Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Customer Focus, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Self-Management, Technical Skills (Environmental compliance/regulations/rules).
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.
(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.
- Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
- Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
- 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. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.
- Workout/Gym facilities available onsite at 6200 Park Ave.
Comments
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). The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the DAS website for more benefit information.
Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com . This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.
DNR Application Tips
For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.
The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Iowa DNR Mission
To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.
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.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .
