Environmental Compliance Specialist

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hiring an Environmental Compliance Specialist in Des Moines, IA. This role involves conducting on-site inspections of various facilities, sampling for contaminants, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The specialist will communicate findings to stakeholders and address environmental violations. The position requires outdoor work in physically demanding conditions, emphasizing collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders to promote sustainable environmental practices.
About the position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a dedicated Environmental Compliance Specialist to join their team at Field Office #5 in Des Moines, Iowa. This position is crucial for the conservation and enhancement of Iowa's natural resources, ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations. As an Environmental Compliance Specialist, you will work collaboratively with a dynamic team of professionals to uphold environmental regulations and promote a safe and clean environment for the residents and businesses within an 18-county region of southcentral Iowa. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the preservation of Iowa's ecological integrity. In this role, you will conduct thorough on-site inspections of various facilities, including public water supplies, wastewater treatment facilities, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources, stormwater control systems, and underground storage tank systems. Your responsibilities will involve sampling for environmental contaminants and analyzing scientific data to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. You will also utilize advanced data management techniques to access, input, interpret, and manage environmental data in departmental databases, which are crucial for conducting investigations, monitoring environmental compliance, and preparing comprehensive reports and communications. Effective communication is key in this position, as you will be responsible for conveying regulatory requirements and investigative findings to stakeholders through both verbal and written channels. This includes engaging with public officials, environmental professionals, and regulated parties to facilitate compliance and address environmental concerns. Additionally, you will conduct thorough investigations into complaints of environmental violations and respond to hazardous chemical spills and releases from underground storage tanks, requiring a deep understanding of relevant regulations, scientific principles, and facility records, as well as hands-on inspection and sampling activities.

Responsibilities
• Conduct thorough on-site inspections of various facilities, including public water supplies, wastewater treatment facilities, animal feeding operations, air pollution sources, stormwater control systems, and underground storage tank systems.
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• Sample for environmental contaminants and analyze scientific data to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
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• Utilize advanced data management techniques to access, input, interpret, and manage environmental data in departmental databases.
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• Effectively communicate regulatory requirements and investigative findings to stakeholders through verbal and written channels.
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• Engage with public officials, environmental professionals, and regulated parties to facilitate compliance and address environmental concerns.
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• Conduct thorough investigations into complaints of environmental violations and respond to hazardous chemical spills and releases from underground storage tanks.
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• Perform outdoor work in physically demanding conditions, enduring rough terrain, stream banks, and activities like stooping, climbing ladders, and lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds for extended periods.
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• Travel frequently during the workweek, occasionally requiring overnight stays.
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• Respond promptly to emergency calls during on-call periods and conduct on-site follow-ups as necessary.

Requirements
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in natural science.
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• 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.
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• Must possess or obtain a valid Iowa driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in environmental compliance and regulations.
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• Strong analytical skills and experience with data management software.
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• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
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• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits
• Competitive salary ranging from $52,249.60 to $78,790.40 annually.
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• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
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• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
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• Nine paid holidays per year.
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• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
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• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
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• Professional training opportunities.
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• Flexible schedules and opportunities.
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• Family friendly and professional work environment.
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• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).