Environmental Engineer - Wastewater

Environmental Engineer - Wastewater

Salary

$63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50312 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03464

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

7/8/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Satya Chennupati, satya.chennupati@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-725-8436

To Apply

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a Resume/Cover Letter to the online application to demonstrate how your qualifications and experience best fit the critical competencies, essential functions and job duties of this position.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a Resume/Cover Letter to the online application to demonstrate how your qualifications and experience best fit the critical competencies, essential functions and job duties of this position.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has an exciting opportunity for a Wastewater Engineer who demonstrates technical skills, customer focus and is a detail-oriented team player to join the Wastewater Engineering team to help protect Iowa's water quality.

As a Wastewater Engineer, you will play a key role in supporting the engineering team to protect the environment and public health. Your responsibilities will include reviewing construction permit applications, overseeing wastewater treatment and collection system infrastructure projects, and approving engineering planning reports, antidegradation alternatives analyses, plans and specifications. You will also be responsible for approving construction permits for non-funded wastewater projects, as well as some projects funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following Municipal wastewater project management job duties:

Facility Plan Approval:

• Technical review of facility plans addressing adequacy of design basis, conformance with design standards, state and federal rules, regulations, and standards and siting requirements.
• Follow the permitting process manual coordinating with cities and their consultants and other agencies as necessary.
• Coordinate activities with DNR field offices, Waste Load Allocation staff, and NPDES staff on project specific and siting issues. Coordinate with cities and various funding agencies for eligibility
• Prepare accurate and appropriate technical comments to assure conformance with design standards and sound engineering practices.
• Process variances making reasonable and justified recommendations in accordance with rules.

Review and Approve of Construction Permit Applications:

• Ensure conformance to current adopted design standards.
• Document reviews and comments made, transmit clear and concise comments to the project owner and consultant. Meet as necessary to resolve technical issues.
• Follow the prescribed process in the permitting process manual.
• Issue construction permits.
• Perform site visits to treatment facilities to conduct inspections and compile reports.

General Project Management:

• Manage assigned projects according to the permitting process manual.
• Use web-based tracking system for administrative management of project information.
• Perform professional project contacts and document actions
• Maintain project schedules by timely reviews and responses.
• Coordinate with applicants, their representatives, citizens and other agencies to expedite project approvals.

Other related duties as assigned which may include Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) assisted projects:

• Process CWSRF projects including the technical review of engineering reports and construction permit applications using the permitting process manual as applicable.
• Coordinate with municipalities, various funding agencies for funding eligibility including CWSRF and approval.
• Issue construction permits.
• Conduct construction inspections and compile reports.
• Other technical projects as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Applies state design standards, engineering principles and engineering practices dealing with wastewater treatment and conveyance design and operation.
• Review technical, administrative, and regulatory documents to assure projects comply with permitting rules and requirements.
• Reads and understands technical documents and information for projects.
• Performs detailed project technical review and prepare comments for projects.
• Performs complex civil and environmental engineering calculations.
• Utilizes education, knowledge, experience and understanding of civil and environmental engineering principles to perform duties.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Interpersonal Skills, High Productivity, Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Customer Focus, Integrity, Problem Solving, Project Management, Self-Management, Team Player, Technical Engineering Skills.

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

Check out this video to see how you can make a difference as an engineer with the Iowa DNR!

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering required. Preference will be given to degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.

Additional preference will be given to those with related work experience in design and/or design review of wastewater/water collection and treatment systems or advanced coursework and advanced degree in wastewater engineering.

Valid Iowa Class C driver's license is required.

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.

Selectives

097 Civil Engineering

6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or more of the following:

• Survey crew
• Construction inspector
• Professional civil engineer

Must be able to read blueprints, plans, and/or specifications.

OR

182 Environmental Engineering

6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of engineering that is centered on the technology concerned with the reduction of pollution, contamination, and deterioration of the surroundings in which humans live.

OR

650 Sanitary Engineering

6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the engineering discipline concerned with the improved sanitation of human communities - such as assuring a supply of healthy drinking water, treatment of waste water and removing garbage from inhabited areas.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, Biomedical, or Public Health Engineering;

OR

Licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners.

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

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, Biomedical, or Public Health Engineering?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you currently hold a Licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners?

• Yes
• No

05

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Environmental Engineering, the area of engineering that is centered on the technology concerned with the reduction of pollution, contamination, and deterioration of the surroundings in which humans live?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below. Neglecting to thoroughly answer this question may result in disqualification.

07

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Sanitary Engineering, the engineering discipline concerned with the improved sanitation of human communities - such as assuring a supply of healthy drinking water, treatment of waste water and removing garbage from inhabited areas?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below. Neglecting to thoroughly answer this question may result in disqualification.

09

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or more of the following:

• Survey crew;
• Construction inspector;
• Professional civil engineer

Must be able to read blueprints, plans, and/or specifications.

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below. Neglecting to thoroughly answer this question may result in disqualification.

11

Essential Functions of the Position: After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question. Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation? Please indicate your response.

• Yes
• No

12

Reference Checks: If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Address 6200 Park Ave

STE 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website http://www.iowadnr.gov/