SRF Administration & Compliance Lead

SRF Administration & Compliance Lead

Salary

$61,443.20 - $94,764.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00899

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

09/28/2026

Closing Date

10/12/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Jerah Sheets, Jerah.Sheets@dnr.iowa.gov

To Apply

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

• 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.

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

Environmental Specialist Senior - State Revolving Fund (SRF)

Clean Water & Drinking Water SRF Programs

Help protect Iowa's water resources and guide vital infrastructure programs while making a lasting difference in communities across the state.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking an Environmental Specialist Senior to serve as a Leadworker within our State Revolving Fund (SRF) program team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to combine environmental expertise, leadworker guidance, strategic support, community engagement, and program administration to strengthen Iowas Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs.

As an SRF Leadworker, you will direct the daily work of technical staff, serve as the primary technical point of contact for SRF statutory and regulatory requirements, and work alongside local communities, state and federal agency partners (including the EPA), and environmental leaders to ensure critical water quality and infrastructure projects move seamlessly from planning through completion.

If you enjoy mentoring team members, managing complex data tracking systems, shaping policy recommendations, solving technical challenges, and seeing water quality projects benefit Iowa communities, this could be the opportunity for you.

What You'll Do

As an Environmental Specialist Senior and SRF Leadworker, you will:

• Direct work and provide leadworker guidance: Direct the daily work of two or more employees, serving as the primary technical point of contact regarding State Revolving Fund statutory, regulatory, and procedural requirements.
• Serve as primary technical contact & mentor: Resolve complex project-level tracking issues, deliver programmatic training, and compile documentation for Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF programs.
• Manage project priority lists & intended use plans: Coordinate operational workflows, lead Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) updates, and maintain multi-project tracking for the Intended Use Plan (IUP) and Project Priority List (PPL).
• Maintain database integrity & performance metrics: Manage SRF program database integrity, track critical performance metrics, and prepare comprehensive reporting packages including the Annual Program Report, EPA database submissions, and executive dashboards.
• Provide strategic & contract administration support: Assist with the preparation and evaluation of project contracts, Intended Use Plans, vendor claims, invoices, and annual reports to facilitate efficient program administration and data-driven recommendations for leadership.
• Research regulations & formulate policy recommendations: Research emerging federal and state regulations, draft proposed administrative rules, policy white papers, and program operating plans to guide SRF strategy.
• Deliver training & stakeholder outreach: Develop and deliver programmatic training and guidance for staff, regional partners, local watershed leaders, and environmental stakeholders on SRF requirements and field protocols.
• Build strong inter-agency & community partnerships: Represent the Iowa DNR at local, regional, and statewide meetings, fostering effective working relationships with state and federal partners (such as the EPA), agricultural and environmental interests, and private-sector partners.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an environmental professional who is:

• Passionate about Iowa's natural resources and committed to protecting water quality and water infrastructure statewide.
• An experienced leadworker and technical mentor capable of guiding staff, coordinating operational workflows, and resolving complex project tracking issues.
• Knowledgeable in State Revolving Fund programs, with familiarity regarding Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF regulations, statutory guidelines, Intended Use Plans, and EPA requirements.
• An effective communicator and policy analyst skilled at drafting administrative rules, policy white papers, executive dashboards, and program reporting packages.
• A detailed data manager focused on maintaining database integrity, tracking performance metrics, and preparing accurate state and federal database submissions.
• Organized and self-directed, with the ability to lead SOP development, manage multi-project tracking, administer contracts, and meet firm program deadlines.
• A collaborative relationship builder comfortable interacting with state and federal agency partners, local watershed leaders, private-sector partners, and the regulated public.
• Comfortable embracing technology to maximize efficiency, including database tracking systems, virtual collaboration tools, project management software, and executive dashboard tools.

Make Your Work Matter

At the Iowa DNR, your work can have a direct and lasting impact on Iowa's water infrastructure, rivers, lakes, streams, groundwater, and local communities for generations to come. Bring your leadworker skills and environmental expertise to a team that turns strategic plans into action and safeguards Iowa's water resources.

Essential Functions

• Directs work & technical oversight: Directs the work of two or more employees and serves as the primary technical contact, providing guidance and daily support regarding SRF statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Technical support & project tracking: Resolves complex project-level tracking issues, delivers programmatic training, and compiles program documentation for Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF programs.
• Contract & financial management: Prepares, interprets, and manages project contracts, contract administration strategies, vendor claims, invoices, and draft/final product deliverables.
• Database & performance reporting: Manages program database integrity, tracks critical performance metrics, and prepares comprehensive reporting packages including Annual Program Reports, EPA database submissions, and executive dashboards.
• Workflow & IUP/PPL tracking: Coordinates operational workflows, leads Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development and updates, and maintains multi-project tracking for the Intended Use Plan (IUP) and Project Priority List (PPL).
• Policy & regulatory research: Researches emerging federal and state regulations to formulate policy recommendations, drafting proposed administrative rules, policy white papers, and program operating plans.
• Partner & stakeholder relations: Develops and maintains effective working relationships with staff, state and federal agency partners, local watershed leaders, agricultural/environmental interests, private-sector partners, and industry professionals.
• Field assessment & physical expectations: Traverses open and/or cultivated fields, rolling terrain, riparian zones, and stream beds as needed during site evaluations.
• Training & advising: Trains and advises staff and regional partners on field assessment protocols, SOPs, and effective watershed and SRF planning processes.

Critical Job Competencies:

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong core values of Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Customer Focus, Team Player, Self Management, Computer Skills, Technical Skills - Natural Resources Planning, Project Management and Problem-solving.

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:

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 on the status of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@governmentjobs.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

Government Regulation and Accountability Applicant should demonstrate a minimum of 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of managing state or federal governmental regulations and implementing accountability provisions.

AND

Financial 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of the following areas: accounting, auditing, budgeting, economics, or finance.

OR

Grant Writing and Management 6 months' professional level experience as one of a team or as the sole organizational resource managing the grant program, which includes all of the following: writing grant applications/proposals, managing grant funds, providing technical assistance to sub-grantees, monitoring grants, and grant performance reporting. Experience must have been a major or dominant function of the job. May also include experience reviewing, approving/awarding, and monitoring others grant proposals, but this alone does not qualify.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors 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.

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? IF YES - How many years do you have 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?

• I have not graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in a Natural Science
• Less than 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
• Three years or more 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

04

How many years do you have of a combination of post high school course work in a Natural Science AND/OR 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? 30 semester hours equals on year of experience.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than seven years of the combined education and/or experience
• Seven years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

How many years do you have of a combination of GRADUATE level (post bachelors degree) coursework in a Natural Science, history, or archaeology AND/OR 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, archaeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tank? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience, Applicants can substitute a maximum of 60 graduate semester hours (in the areas listed above) and must have at least one year of the experience.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than three years of the education and/or experience
• Three years or more of the education and/or experience

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classifications of Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa
• Less than two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa
• Two years or more of experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa

07

Selective 246 (Grant Writing and Management)

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months professional level experience as one of a team or as the sole organizational resource managing the grant program, which includes all of the following: writing grant applications/proposals, managing grant funds, providing technical assistance to sub-grantees, monitoring grants, and grant performance reporting. Experience must have been a major or dominant function of the job. May also include experience reviewing, approving/awarding, and monitoring others grant proposals, but this alone does not qualify?

• 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.]

09

Selective 564 (Government Regulation and Accountability)

Does your application demonstrate that you have a minimum of 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of managing state or federal governmental regulations and implementing accountability provisions?

• 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.

11

Selective 208 (Financial)

Do you have six months experience or 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of the following areas: accounting, auditing, budgeting, economics, or finance?

• Yes
• No

12

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.

13

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.

14

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

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/