Environmental Specialist

Job Description The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Environmental Specialist to join our Water Quality Bureau’s Onsite Wastewater Program. This position plays a vital role in protecting Iowa's groundwater and surface water resources by overseeing and implementing the state’s onsite wastewater treatment and private sewage disposal programs. This position will assist with the implementation of the Department’s onsite wastewater treatment programs, including the statewide Iowa Time of Transfer (TOT) program, Septic Pumper licensing, and NPDES General Permit No. 4 for onsite wastewater discharges. You will also serve as a technical resource to county environmental health specialists, industry, and the public regarding private sewage disposal standards and issues, and the onsite wastewater assistance program. Time of Transfer This position will provide training, testing and certification of TOT inspectors, implement the TOT database, provide guidance to sanitarians, inspectors, realtors and homeowners with TOT questions, and conduct reviews for waiver requests. General Permit No. 4 You will work with county environmental health professionals to maximize participation of this regulatory requirement, conduct training sessions for onsite systems’ effluent testing, manage the statewide web-based onsite system database, and perform onsite septic land application inspections. Septic Pumper Licensing You will manage the contracts with counties to conduct inspections of commercial septic tank cleaner equipment and land application sites, including technical assistance, inspection training and oversight, and invoice payments. Essential Functions Review Time of Transfer inspections for accuracy and compliance with Chapter 69. Review, approve, deny or request modifications to commercial septic tank cleaner license applications. Draft, issue, reissue, modify, amend or revoke NPDES general permit authorizations for on‑site wastewater treatment systems. Review and interpret federal and state laws, rules, regulations, standards and guidance, policies, etc. and effectively communicate them orally and in writing to the public. Compose, at a professional technical level, memos, reports and project summary documents including referral documents and case histories. Communicate clearly and concisely in‑person and virtually, and make oral presentations to technical/professional and lay groups. Critical Job Competencies Action‑oriented/high productivity; Communication Skills; Accountability; Customer Focus; Critical Thinking Skills and Reasoning Skills; Attention to Detail; Team Player; Self‑management; Passion for the Work; Planning and Evaluating Skills; Computer Skills; Integrity; Interpersonal Skills; Technical Competency – Water Resources, Public Health. 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. 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. 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. The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 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 federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Iowa - Executive Branch