Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist

Salary

$54,350.40 - $81,972.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03441

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

06/19/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Eric Wiklund, eric.wiklund@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-630-9970

To Apply

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 is seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Environmental Specialist to join our Water Quality Bureau's Onsite Wastewater Program. This position plays a vital role in protecting Iowas groundwater and surface water resources by overseeing and implementing the state's onsite wastewater treatment and private sewage disposal programs.

This position will assist with the implementation of the Department's onsite wastewater treatment programs. This includes implementing the statewide Iowa Time of Transfer (TOT) program, as well as assisting with the implementation of the Septic Pumper licensing and NPDES General Permit No. 4 for onsite wastewater discharges. In this role, you will also serve as a technical resource to county environmental health specialists, industry, and the public regarding private sewage disposal standards and issues, and the onsite wastewater assistance program.

Time of Transfer: This position will provide training, testing and certification of TOT inspectors and implementation of the TOT database, provide guidance to sanitarians, inspectors, realtors and homeowners with TOT questions, and conduct reviews for waiver requests.

General Permit No. 4: You will work with county environmental health professionals to maximize participation of this regulatory requirement as well as conduct training sessions for onsite systems' effluent testing, statewide web-based onsite system database, and on septic land application inspections.

Septic Pumper Licensing: You will manage the contracts with counties to conduct inspections of commercial septic tank cleaner's equipment and land application sites including technical assistance, inspection training/oversight and invoice payments.

Essential Functions

• Review Time of Transfer inspections for accuracy and compliance with Chapter 69.
• Review, approve, deny or request modifications to commercial septic tank cleaner license applications.
• Draft, issue, reissue, modify, amend or revoke NPDES general permit authorizations for on-site wastewater treatment systems.
• Review and interpret federal and state laws, rules, regulations, standards and guidance, policies, etc. and effectively communicate them orally and in writing to the public.
• Compose, at a professional technical level, memos, reports and project summary documents including referral documents and case histories.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in-person and virtually, and make oral presentations to technical/professional and lay groups.

Critical Job Competencies

Action-oriented/high productivity; Communication Skills; Accountability; Customer Focus; Critical Thinking Skills and Reasoning Skills; Attention to Detail; Team Player; Self-management; Passion for the Work; Planning and Evaluating Skills; Computer Skills; Integrity; Interpersonal Skills. Technical Competency - Water Resources, Public Health

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

For more information about this program, check out the DNR's Private Sewage Disposal and Septage webpage

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 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/