Environmental Compliance Specialist

Full 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 May 2026, 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 websitefor 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 tobe 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.

Pending Applicants: College or university students that are pending graduation in May of 2026 with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science are eligible to apply for this position.

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 WorkThe 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

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 this link to view the job description.