Environmental Compliance Specialist

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

Are you passionate about preserving Iowa's natural beauty and ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations? The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites dedicated individuals to join our mission of conservation and enhancement of natural resources. If you're ready to make a difference, we're looking for a committed Environmental Specialist to join our team at Field Office #2 in Mason City, Iowa.

As an Environmental Specialist, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team of professionals to uphold environmental regulations and promote a safe and clean environment for the residents and businesses of Northcentral Iowa across a 15-county region. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the preservation of Iowa's ecological integrity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting thorough on-site inspections of various facilities, including public water supplies, wastewater treatment facilities, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources, storm water control systems, and underground storage tank systems. This involves sampling for environmental contaminants and analyzing scientific data to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

• Utilizing advanced data management techniques to access, input, interpret, and manage environmental data in departmental databases. These data resources are crucial for conducting investigations, monitoring environmental compliance, and preparing comprehensive reports and communications.

• Effectively communicating regulatory requirements and investigative findings to stakeholders through verbal and written channels. This includes engaging with public officials, environmental professionals, and regulated parties to facilitate compliance and address environmental concerns.

• Conducting thorough investigations into complaints of environmental violations and responding to hazardous chemical spills and releases from underground storage tanks. This requires a deep understanding of relevant regulations, scientific principles, and facility records, as well as hands-on inspection and sampling activities.

If you're committed to making a positive impact on Iowa's environment and possess a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science (pending graduation in May 2024), we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

To learn more about Environmental Services Jobs within the Department and to apply, please visit our Department Employment webpage and watch our short video: https://www.iowadnr.gov/employment.

Join us in our mission to conserve Iowa's natural resources and create a sustainable legacy for future generations.

Essential Functions

• Conduct inspections to assess compliance with environmental regulations, covering a range of programs such as 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.

• Effectively communicate technical information, regulatory requirements, departmental policies, procedures, and guidance to various stakeholders, including public officials, industrial professionals, and others, both orally and in writing.

• Utilize PC-based computer systems and software proficiently for communication, data analysis, database management, spreadsheet development, reference research, and other tasks related to the role.

• Perform outdoor work in physically demanding conditions, enduring rough terrain, stream banks, and activities like stooping, climbing ladders, and lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds for extended periods.

• Receive and follow instructions or requests from supervisors and lead workers.

• Foster and maintain productive relationships with management, DNR staff, stakeholders, and the public.

• Adapt to changes, work pressures, and challenging situations effectively.

• Demonstrate initiative, prioritize customer service and teamwork, and uphold high standards of ethical conduct.

• Travel frequently during the workweek, occasionally requiring overnight stays.

• Respond promptly to emergency calls during on-call periods and conduct on-site follow-ups as necessary.

Critical Job Competencies

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

Must possess or obtain a valid Iowa driver's license.

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 $61/month for single and $205/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.

•              Employee Assistance Program.

•              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).

For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.

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.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their DAS on-line application.

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.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.