Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
Are you ready to assist the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in furthering its mission of conserving and enhancing our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations? If yes - we are seeking a new team member at our Environmental Services Division - Field Office #6 location in Washington, Iowa. As an Environmental Specialist, you would work with team of professionals to promote compliance with environmental laws to ensure that residents and businesses in southeast Iowa have a safe and clean environment in a 16-county region.

In this role, the major responsibilities include:

• Preparing for and conducting 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. Inspection duties include: Sampling for environmental contaminants and interpreting scientific data.
• Accessing, inputting, interpreting, and managing data in computer systems and databases of the Department related to regulated facilities and environmental monitoring and using these data resources in preparation for investigations, monitoring environmental compliance, retrieving data in response to inquiries, and preparing reports and other communications.
• Communicating regulatory requirements and factual findings to the general public and regulated parties both verbally and through written communication and meetings with public officials, the general public, environmental professionals, and regulated parties.
• Preparing for and conducting investigations of complaints of environmental violations, and responding to spills of hazardous chemicals and to releases from underground storage tanks. This work requires a knowledge and review of applicable regulations, scientific principles, facility records, and geographic information, and physical inspection of facilities or events. Investigation duties include: Sampling for environmental contaminants and interpretation of scientific data.

Click this link to be transferred to the Department Employment webpage for a short video on Environmental Services Jobs within the Department:

Essential Functions

• 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 workweek with some overnight stays.

Respond to emergency response calls during periods when on-call, and follow up on-site as needed.

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.
• Flexible schedules and opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by supervisor).
• 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 Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their DAS on-line application.

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.

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.

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