Environmental Specialist

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 has a vacancy for an Environmental Specialist in the Air Quality Bureau’s Compliance Section.

The position is critical in providing compliance and regulatory assistance to a wide range of stakeholders across the state, from small businesses to large industrial facilities that hold air quality permits and are subject to state and federal regulations.

The position is responsible for assisting businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of air quality permits and rules.

Our team provides expert guidance to industry representatives and consultants through direct consultation, meetings, and detailed correspondence.

To simplify the path to compliance, we develop accessible tools like fact sheets and guidance documents, working side-by-side with facilities to develop compliance plans to meet regulatory requirements, and providing regulatory oversight through tracking facility adherence to air quality permits to proactively identify deviations through the detailed review of compliance reports and Title V semiannual monitoring reports and annual compliance certifications.

When necessary, investigation of potential violations of state and federal air quality requirements that require preparation of enforcement correspondence identifying violations, corrective actions and at times, referral summaries that document violations and recommendations for management and attorneys.

This position also reviews variance requests from air quality rules or permits and recommends approval or denial based on merits of request and applicable requirements, serves as a liaison to DNR Field Offices, Local Programs, and EPA staff with air regulations and facility compliance issues, keeps internal and federal compliance tracking databases updated, and assists Management with other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

Read, interpret, and understand air quality control rules, regulations, and permits.

Review reports and other documents to determine facility compliance with air quality rules, regulations, and permits.

Respond to written or telephone requests from business and industry representatives and their consultants for

information or technical assistance, provide help with problems or questions, and explain and clarify state and federal air quality rules, regulations, and permits.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with staff, clients, consultants, stakeholders, other

government officials, and the general public.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Attention to Detail, Computer Skills, Communication Skills (Written and Oral), Complex Problem Solving, Common Sense, Critical Thinking and Reasoning, Customer Focus, Flexibility, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, 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)

• 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 successful candidate will need to be able to:

1. Work independently to plan, organize and deliver consistent results with minimal supervision.

2. Demonstrate a capacity to adjust to change, work pressures or difficult situations without undue stress.

3. Encourage and demonstrate initiative, a customer service and team orientation, and display of high standards of ethical conduct.

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.

Program Webpage Link https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/air-quality-bureau

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

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.