Air Quality Section Supervisor

Full 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 visionary and results-oriented leader to serve as the Section Supervisor (Public Service Manager 1) for the Title V Operating Permits and Emission Inventory Section within the Air Quality Bureau.

The Air Quality Bureau partners with communities, business and industry, organizations, and private citizens, to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to create workable solutions to ensure that Iowa's excellent air quality is maintained throughout the state.

This leadership role will specifically be responsible for overseeing both the staff and activities undertaken within the Title V Operating Permit and Emissions Inventory sections including timely issuance of Title V operating permits to industry; and the collection and accurate reporting to the Governor, state legislature, EPA, industry, and the public, of point and non-point source emissions inventory data within the State of Iowa.

Key Position Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Section Management

• Workflow Optimization: Determine priorities, distribute workloads, and resolve conflicting deadlines to ensure section goals are met.
• Technical Oversight: Review staff work products for accuracy and consistency with state/federal laws and administrative rules.
• Efficiency & Innovation: Analyze business practices and staffing to implement changes that improve effectiveness without compromising environmental integrity.
• Budgeting & Resources: Assist in preparing the annual operating budget; monitor expenditures and negotiate work-plan agreements with the EPA.

Personnel Development & Culture

• Mentorship: Establish performance plans, conduct annual appraisals, and create tailored professional development paths for all team members.
• Team Culture: Foster a work environment rooted in diversity, respect, accountability, and ethical business practices.
• Empowerment: Encourage staff to suggest innovative solutions to complex environmental problems.

Stakeholder Engagement & Compliance

• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Maintain productive relationships with the EPA and oversee local program contracts with Linn and Polk Counties.
• Public Representation: Act as a spokesperson for the section in meetings with the general public, elected officials, and industry stakeholders.
• Regulatory Expert: Lead the development of administrative rules and provide comments on proposed federal regulations impacting Iowa’s air quality.

Qualities We are Looking For:

• Leadership Excellence: Proven ability to manage professional staff and navigate complex personnel processes (hiring, performance reviews, and grievances).
• Strategic Thinking: Experience in budget administration and the ability to align section activities with a larger departmental strategic plan.
• Communication Skills: Ability to translate technical data and regulatory requirements for media, stakeholders, and legislative bodies.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with state and federal environmental laws and administrative rule-making processes -particularly in the area of Air Quality.

Essential Functions

Leads staff by demonstrating a broad knowledge base of DNR programs, policies, operational abilities and regulatory requirements.

Implements programs by demonstrating a broad knowledge of air quality technical information, rules, policies, procedures, and guidance.

Analyzes organizational and operational problems and to negotiate timely and effective solutions to air quality issues in a positive and constructive manner.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with staff, clients, consultants, stakeholders, other government officials, and the general public.

Supervises the work of subordinate staff demonstrating knowledge of principles, techniques and trends of public administration, including financial management, labor relations, and resource management.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Attention to Detail, Budgeting, Computer Skills, Communication Skills (Written and Oral), Problem Solving, Common Sense, Critical Thinking and Reasoning, Customer Focus, Employee Development, Flexibility, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership Skills, Self-Management, Supervisory Skills, Strategic Thinking, Team Player, Technical Skills (emphasis on air quality rules, policies and procedures).

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).
• 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 the DAS website for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com. 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 the DNR 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 federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

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.

Qualifications