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Environmental Compliance Specialist

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Environmental Compliance Specialist

Salary

$53,289.60 - $80,371.20 Annually

Location

Spencer - 51301 - Clay County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01368

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

11/20/2025

Closing Date

12/12/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Scott Wilson, [email protected], 712-363-4607

To Apply

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

Come be part of a team dedicated to conserving Iowa’s natural resources and creating a lasting, sustainable legacy. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking dedicated individuals to help advance our mission of conserving and enhancing the state’s natural resources. If you hold a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science, or are pending graduation in December 2025, we encourage you to apply for the Environmental Specialist position at Field Office #3 in Spencer, Iowa.

In this role, you’ll work closely with a skilled team of environmental professionals, being trained to enforce regulations and promote a safe, healthy environment for communities and businesses throughout a 16-county region in Northwest Iowa. This position offers the chance to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders and play an important part in safeguarding Iowa’s environmental health and ecological resilience.

Key responsibilities include:

+ Performing detailed on-site inspections of facilities such as public water supplies, wastewater treatment systems, animal feeding operations, air emission sources, stormwater controls, and underground storage tank systems. Duties include collecting samples, evaluating environmental data, and verifying compliance with applicable regulations.

+ Applying advanced data management skills to retrieve, enter, analyze, and maintain environmental information in departmental databases. These data tools support investigations, compliance monitoring, and the development of accurate reports and communications.

+ Communicating regulatory requirements and investigative results clearly and professionally with stakeholders. This includes engaging with public officials, environmental professionals, and regulated entities to support compliance and address environmental issues.

+ Investigating reports of potential environmental violations and responding to hazardous chemical spills or releases from underground storage tanks. This involves interpreting regulations and scientific information, reviewing facility records, and performing on-site inspections and sampling.

If you’re passionate about protecting Iowa’s environment and want 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.

Essential Functions

+ Perform inspections to determine compliance with environmental programs, including public water supplies, wastewater treatment systems, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources, stormwater controls, sanitary disposal sites, and regulated underground storage tanks.

+ Clearly communicate technical information, regulatory requirements, policies, and guidance—both verbally and in writing—to public officials, industry professionals, and other stakeholders. Adapt effectively to changing priorities, work pressures, and challenging situations.

+ Analyze data, create spreadsheets, use databases, and research reference materials with PC-based software. Communicate findings routinely and clearly to stakeholders, staff, and the public.

+ Work outdoors for extended periods in physically demanding conditions, including traversing rough terrain and stream banks, stooping, climbing ladders, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

+ Travel frequently during the work week to conduct inspections, attend meetings, and investigate environmental complaints and spills.

+ Respond to emergency calls while on-call and conduct necessary on-site follow-up.

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 $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 the DAS 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).

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/state-employment/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from [email protected] (file://iowa.gov.state.ia.us/data/DNRUsers/mforbes0/My%20Documents/[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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