Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist

Salary

$54,350.40 - $81,972.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03425

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Corey McCoid, Corey.McCoid@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-577-3551

To Apply

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to the online application.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to the online application.

Are you passionate about environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and improving air quality for Iowans? The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented

Environmental Specialist to join our Air Quality Bureau. This position plays a critical role in administering Iowa's Title V Operating Permit Program and ensuring compliance with state and federal air quality regulations.

As an Environmental Specialist, you will work directly with industrial facilities, environmental professionals, and regulatory partners to evaluate air emission sources, determine regulatory applicability, and develop operating permits that protect Iowa's air resources. This position offers a unique combination of technical analysis, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship.

What You Will Do:

Review and Develop Title V Operating Permits

• Conduct comprehensive technical reviews of Title V operating permit applications.
• Evaluate facility operations, emissions data, and permit histories to determine compliance with state and federal air quality regulations.
• Verify facility applicability under the Title V program and assess potential-to-emit calculations.
• Identify and apply regulatory requirements, including: New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), Acid Rain and related federal air quality programs
• Develop permit conditions, monitoring requirements, and compliance strategies to ensure facilities operate within regulatory limits

Perform Technical Analysis

• Review emissions calculations, operational limitations, and supporting documentation.
• Analyze complex environmental data and determine applicable air quality requirements.
• Evaluate monitoring approaches ranging from routine observations to stack testing and Compliance Assurance Monitoring (CAM) plans.

Collaborate with Facilities and Stakeholders

• Communicate with facility representatives throughout the permit review process.
• Conduct site visits to observe emission sources, discuss permit requirements, and resolve technical issues.
• Coordinate with senior air quality staff, the U.S. EPA, neighboring states, and members of the public during
• permit review and public comment processes.
• Address comments and questions received during permit development and public review periods.

Ensure Application Completeness

• Conduct completeness reviews of initial and renewal Title V permit applications.

Provide Technical Assistance

• Respond to inquiries from the public, regulated facilities, and DNR staff regarding air quality regulations and permitting requirements.
• Research and communicate technical and regulatory information in a clear and professional manner.
• Document guidance and maintain accurate records for future reference.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an individual who is:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to interpret technical, scientific, and regulatory information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• A commitment to public service and environmental protection.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a diverse team.

Why Join the Iowa DNR?

At the Iowa DNR, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Iowa's environment while building a rewarding career in public service. Our employees enjoy challenging and purposeful work, opportunities for professional growth, and the satisfaction of helping protect Iowa's natural resources for future generations. Join us in protecting Iowa's air quality and supporting a healthier environment for all Iowans!

Essential Functions

• Review air quality Title V operating permit applications and draft Title V operating permits in compliance with the state and federal rules.
• Reads, evaluates, and understands permit applications, calculations, plans and specifications, and applicable air pollution control regulations.
• Performs complex mathematical calculations related to emissions of air pollution by employing computer tools as necessary.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, complex technical information, regulatory requirements, department policies, procedures, and guidance to public officials, industrial professionals, and others.
• Applies problem solving skills to air quality issues in order to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
• Effectively uses PC based computer system and software to utilize and input information into databases, permit forms, and to complete correspondence and other reporting.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Communication Skills, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, SelfManagement, Customer Focus, Technical Skills (Environmental Programs)

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).

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 websitefor 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.

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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.

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 a natural science?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education and full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program? 30 semester hours of the required education equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the required education and experience
• Two years or less of the required education and experience
• Two years to less than four years of the required education and experience
• Four years or more of the required education and experience

05

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

06

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/