Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist

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Environmental Specialist

Salary

$54,350.40 - $81,972.80 Annually

Location

Washington - 52353 - Washington County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00252

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

8/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Kurt Levetzow, View email address on click.appcast.io, View phone number on click.appcast.io

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 is seeking a new Environmental Specialist to join its Environmental Services Division at Field Office #6 in Washington, Iowa. In this role, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals to support the department's mission of conserving and enhancing Iowa's natural resources, improving quality of life, and securing a sustainable legacy for future generations. Serving a 16-county region across southeast Iowa, you will promote compliance with environmental laws to ensure local residents and businesses benefit from a safe, clean environment.

As an Environmental Specialist, your core responsibilities will center on conducting on-site inspections across a wide variety of regulated sites, including public water supplies, wastewater treatment plants, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources, storm water controls, sanitary disposal projects, underground storage tanks, and floodplains. These inspections involve taking environmental contaminant samples and interpreting scientific data. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing and analyzing data within DNR databases to prepare for investigations, monitor ongoing compliance, handle public inquiries, and compile official communications and reports.

Communication and emergency response are also vital components of this position. You will routinely explain regulatory requirements and present factual findings to the public, local officials, environmental professionals, and regulated parties through both written reports and verbal meetings. Furthermore, you will investigate reported environmental violations and respond directly to hazardous chemical spills and underground storage tank releases. Performing these investigations requires applying scientific principles, analyzing geographic and facility records, executing physical inspections, and interpreting environmental sampling data.

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 work week with an occasional overnight stay.

• 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).

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 ( for more information.

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

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

Comments:

Must possess, obtain and maintain a valid Iowa driver's license. Travels frequently during the work week to perform inspections, attend meetings, and investigate environmental complaints and spills.

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 ( for more benefit information.

DNR Field Services Webpage Link:

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

Ensure you are kept up-to-date on the status of this position by checking your email regularly for emails View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 theDNR Employment ( website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

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 a 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.

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 ( .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 ( .

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 ( 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

Essential Functions of the Position: 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? Please indicate your response.

• 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

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