Environmental Project Manager

Full Job Description

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Environmental Project Manager

Help Us Protect Iowa’s Most Vital Resources:

At the Iowa DNR, we are the stewards of our state's natural health and heritage. We are looking for an Environmental Project Manager who is ready to turn policy into protection.

You’ll be the technical engine behind the landscape of environmental policy implementation with the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Iowa’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan, and Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

This isn't just about following regulations; it's about providing the scientific spark and project management rigor needed to safeguard our drinking water and restore our streams, rivers, and lakes, through various funding sources including but not limited to State Revolving Fund, Section 319 Grant, Source Water Protection, and other priority funding for initiatives.

If you are a problem-solver who can navigate complex data, ranging from historical records and LiDAR landscapes to predictive modeling, while remaining just as comfortable conducting physical site visits and engaging with diverse teams and customers, we want you on our team.

What You'll Do:

•Drive Environmental Results: You will be the project manager for nonpoint source, point source, and source water protection initiatives. You’ll review scientific principles, manage contracts, and provide virtual/on-site support to ensure practices are built to last and meet the standards.

•Master the Data: You’ll be the architect of our program’s information, using GIS software, Google Workspace, and specialized DNR databases to interpret environmental monitoring data and manage historical records.

•Bridge the Gap: You’ll be the voice of the project, communicating complex technical findings to stakeholders, customers, Commissioners, and vested partners, whether you’re in a boardroom, on a video call, or standing by a water body.

•Innovate & Evolve: You’ll participate and lead improvement initiatives, develop training resources, and tackle special projects with state and federal partners to keep Iowa at the forefront of environmental stewardship.

Why You'll Love This Role:

•Technical Influence: Your expertise will contribute to how Iowans manage water quality resources.

•The Full Spectrum: Your week will balance deep-dive data analysis and regulatory review with engaging communities for solving problems. The variety in your day-to-day role provides the opportunity to craft your day to be successful.

•Legacy: Your projects provide Iowans with safe drinking water and clean water for recreation and habitat by aiding communities to meet their water quality standards, providing measurable, cleaner results for the next generation.

Who We Are Looking For:

•A Policy Expert: You have a firm grasp of the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Iowa’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan, and Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

•A Tech-Savvy Scientist: You are comfortable with GIS, complex databases, and interpreting environmental monitoring data to make informed decisions.

•A Project Master: You excel at contract management, tracking, reporting, and keeping multiple high-stakes environmental projects moving from concept to completion.

Essential Functions

To review, approve, and manage drinking water and wastewater treatment facility construction projects and other water quality improvement projects to ensure compliance with all environmental, historical, cultural, and funding requirements of state and federal law; provide compliance assistance to public and private agencies for projects funded; and to coordinate with other governmental agencies on co-funded projects.

Ensure compliance status for financial/program. Investigate or audit projects for compliance.

Research laws, court decisions, federal and state administrative code, procedures and program guidelines, for following or establishing precedents for compliance.

Apply appeal rights and remedies related to compliance.

Works and communicates with all clients and customers quality professional service. Provides advice and recommendations to department staff as necessary.

Resolves customer issues and escalates complaints when necessary. Exchanges information individuals or groups effectively by listening and responding appropriately.

Follows policy, cooperates with supervisors, and aligns behavior with the goals, core competencies, and guiding principles of the organization.

Critical Job Competencies

1. Possession of an Iowa Driver's License or ability to obtain one.

2. DNR - Accountability, Customer Focus, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Team Player, Communication Skills, Common Sense, and Technical (State Revolving Fund, laws & rules, compliance)

3. WQI - Action-oriented, Attention to Detail, Ethical Conduct, Computer Skills, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Critical Thinking Skills, Project Management, and Self-Management.

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.
• Flexible schedules and opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by supervisor).
• 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.

Comments

May 2026 Graduates are encouraged to apply.

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.

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.