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Environmental Specialist

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Environmental Specialist

Salary

$53,289.60 - $80,371.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01043

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

10/22/2025

Closing Date

11/4/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Keith Wilken, [email protected] ; 515-681-0794

To Apply

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

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

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 (DNR) is seeking a highly motivated Environmental Specialist to help manage regulatory activities for the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Third-Party Compliance Inspection Program. This program plays a vital role in safeguarding public health and the environment by ensuring that underground petroleum storage systems meet federal and state environmental regulations.

This position is ideal for an individual with a regulatory background and technical knowledge of environmental science who excels at compliance oversight, data management, and stakeholder engagement. The Department is also interested in teaching these skills to a recent or pending college graduate.

What You'll Be Doing/Key Responsibilities:

You will be a central authority for UST compliance and enforcement, focusing on both active sites and leaking UST (LUST) cleanup efforts.

Compliance & Oversight:

+ Manage Third-Party Inspection Program:Oversee the integrity and consistency of third-party inspection reports, address inspector deficiencies, and track inspection frequency across all active UST sites.

+ Enforcement Action:Utilize various compliance measures, including delivery prohibition, Notices of Violation, and legal referrals, to ensure owner/operators meet all operational requirements (IAC Chapters 567 - 134, 135, and 136).

+ Technical Assistance:Provide expert guidance on UST rules and technical standards, including leak detection, cathodic protection, and installation requirements, to owners, contractors, and consultants.

+ Database Management:Track all compliance activities and schedules in the Tanks database, assisting in data maintenance and program performance improvements.

Leaking UST (LUST) & Closure Review:

+ Cleanup Oversight:Review complex technical reports (e.g., Tier 1, 2, and 3 risk-based corrective action reports) for LUST sites to ensure compliance with cleanup goals and regulatory guidance.

+ Review Documentation:Review and process closure reports to determine if additional assessment and/or corrective actions are necessary.

Coordination & Reporting:

+ Inter-Office Communication:Schedule and lead meetings with Central and Field Office staff to clarify policy, exchange knowledge, and achieve consensus on program operation.

+ EPA Liaison:Assist the supervisor in maintaining a positive relationship with EPA Region 7, ensuring program work plans meet grant obligations and preparing semi-annual performance reports.

Why Join Our Team?

This position offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of environmental protection, utilizing technical standards and regulatory authority to make tangible, lasting improvements to Iowa's environment. You'll operate as a key expert in a complex, high-impact program area.

Essential Functions

+ Review UST facility biennial compliance inspection reports to determine compliance with operational standards.

+ Respond to identified compliance deficiencies or violations with compliance letters or enforcement action.

+ Conduct follow up to confirmed or suspected petroleum releases as reported through inspections, by notifying DNR field personnel, and requiring UST owner/operator to repair equipment and conduct environmental investigation as necessary.

+ Provides technical assistance to licensed UST professionals including technical presentations at training events for licensed UST professionals.

+ Investigates deficiencies in workmanship by licensed UST professionals and prepares documentation for disciplinary action when warranted.

+ Facilitates meetings between Central Office and Field personnel to review and clarify policy issues, exchange

experience and knowledge on technical and procedural matters, and identify work priorities.

+ Compiles and summarizes UST compliance data for semi-annual reporting to EPA.

+ Assist supervisor in the development of grant work plans annually to meet EPA obligations.

+ Reviews various UST and LUST reports for completeness and compliance with departmental rules and guidance.

+ Reviews, interprets, and effectively communicates information about federal and state laws, rules, regulations,

standards, and guidance.

+ Writes professional review letters, documents, and electronic mail correspondence in English using proper spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Customer Focus, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Project Management, Self-Management, Team Player, and Technical Skills - Underground and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks.

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.

+ 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 theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more information.

+ Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).

+ Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).

+ 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 theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.

College or university students that are pending graduation in December 2025 with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science are eligible to apply for this position.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date on the status of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from [email protected]. 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 (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment)

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-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 thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/EnvironmentalSpecialist-04513.pdf) .

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science?

+ Yes

+ No

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education and full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program? 30 semester hours of the required education equals one year of experience.

+ I do not have any of the required education and experience

+ Two years or less of the required education and experience

+ Two years to less than four years of the required education and experience

+ Four years or more of the required education and experience

05

After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question: Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Reference Checks: If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Address

6200 Park Ave

STE 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website

http://www.iowadnr.gov/

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