Environmental Compliance Specialist

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services is hiring an Environmental Compliance Specialist in Atlantic, IA. This role involves conducting on-site inspections of regulated facilities, providing compliance assistance, and preparing detailed reports. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in natural science and strong communication skills. The position requires outdoor work, travel, and responding to emergencies. The job is not remote and involves physically demanding tasks.
About the position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking an Environmental Compliance Specialist to join the Field Services and Compliance Bureau Field Office 4 in Atlantic, Iowa. This role is pivotal in advancing the DNR's mission to conserve and enhance Iowa's natural resources by providing essential environmental compliance assistance and enforcement across the southwest region of the state. The successful candidate will engage in a variety of tasks that include conducting on-site inspections of regulated facilities such as animal feeding operations, public water supplies, wastewater treatment plants, air pollution sources, stormwater permitted facilities, solid waste disposal sites, and underground storage tank facilities. As an Environmental Compliance Specialist, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of state regulations, scientific principles, and environmental sampling techniques. You will be trained to interpret scientific data and respond to emergency incidents and complaints as they arise. This position requires strong verbal and written communication skills, as you will be responsible for preparing detailed reports of investigations and engaging in meetings with various stakeholders, including regulated parties, federal, state, county, and local officials, as well as environmental professionals and team members. The role demands a proactive approach to ensure that regulated facilities achieve compliance with environmental regulations. You will need to develop a working knowledge of DNR environmental regulatory programs, policies, and procedures, and utilize computer software at a moderate to advanced level. The position also requires the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely, especially in challenging or confrontational situations. Additionally, the job involves outdoor work in physically demanding conditions, including traversing rough terrain and performing tasks that may require lifting up to 25 pounds. A valid driver's license is necessary, as frequent travel during the work week, including occasional overnight stays, is expected. You will also be required to respond to emergency calls on a 24/7 basis during designated emergency response duty periods.

Responsibilities
• Conduct on-site inspections of regulated facilities including animal feeding operations, public water supplies, and wastewater treatment plants.
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• Provide environmental compliance assistance and enforcement throughout the southwest Iowa region.
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• Develop a working knowledge of DNR environmental regulatory programs, policies, and procedures.
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• Prepare detailed reports of investigations and communicate findings to stakeholders.
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• Engage in meetings with internal and external customers, including regulated parties and environmental professionals.
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• Respond to emergency incidents and complaints as they arise.
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• Utilize computer software programs at a moderate to advanced level for data analysis and reporting.
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• Work outdoors in physically demanding conditions, including traversing rough terrain.

Requirements
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in natural science.
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• 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 of required education.
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• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
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• Ability to work outdoors and withstand physically demanding work, including lifting up to 25 pounds.
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• Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently during the work week.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in environmental compliance or related fields.
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• Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS).
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• Knowledge of emergency response protocols.

Benefits
• Competitive salary ranging from $52,249.60 to $78,790.40 annually.
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• Insurance benefits starting 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 for hybrid telework (as approved by supervisor).
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• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).