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Posted: March 11, 2026 (2 days ago)

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Environmental Specialist Senior - Polk Co

State of Iowa

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Fresh

Location

Salary

$28.96 - $44.67

per hour

Closes

March 26, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading projects to clean up old mine sites in Iowa, focusing on improving water quality and restoring habitats for wildlife.

The role requires hands-on fieldwork, collaborating with landowners, engineers, and contractors, as well as preparing grant applications and reports.

It's a great fit for someone passionate about environmental protection, with experience in project management and a willingness to work outdoors.

Key Requirements

  • Experience in environmental project planning, development, and management
  • Knowledge of abandoned mine land reclamation programs
  • Ability to conduct frequent fieldwork and site assessments
  • Skills in working with private landowners, engineers, and contractors
  • Proficiency in developing grant applications and completing detailed reports
  • Strong leadership abilities as a lead worker on reclamation projects
  • Understanding of water quality improvement and wildlife habitat restoration

Full Job Description

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) exists to connect Iowans with programs and information about crops, food safety standards, livestock and more.

We work together with local farmers markets and Iowa farmers to continue to support the robust industry and culture Iowa has focused around agriculture.

IDALS seeks to fill the position of Environmental Specialist in the Mines & Minerals Bureau.


The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is currently seeking a motivated individual to fill the role of Environmental Specialist Senior.

As an integral part of the Mines and Minerals Bureau team, this individual plays a crucial role in improving water quality, and re-creating wildlife habitat by serving as a lead worker for planning, developing, and managing projects for Iowa’s Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program.

This position includes frequent field work, working with private landowners, engineers, contractors, and developing grant applications and completing reports.


Applicants may attach their cover letter and resume to their application.


BENEFITS AS A STATE OF IOWA EMPLOYEE

  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy the flexibility of vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
  • Great Benefits: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Retirement Plan: Secure your future with IPERS Retirement and a deferred compensation plan.
  • Flexibility: Make the most of Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
  • Life Insurance: Free life insurance – peace of mind.
  • Support: Access employee assistance programs and employee discount programs.


As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $205.00 per month, single as low as $61.00 per month
  • Dental insurance is free for single and $46.00 per month for family coverage
  • $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long term disability insurance at no cost
  • Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan
  • In addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
  • Paid leave includes – 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave


To learn more about benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee click here to visit the web page.


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.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Science and three years of full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of the required full-time professional work for each 30 semester hours of the required education;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting thirty semester hours of accredited graduate level coursework in a Natural Science, history, or archeology for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the State of Iowa Executive Branch that includes twenty-four months of full-time work as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/11/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/12/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-iowa-5260867