Environmental Specialist

The University of Iowa is seeking a full-time Environmental Specialist in Iowa City, IA. This role involves providing environmental and public health information, conducting inspections and tests, and responding to emergencies. The specialist will also engage in research and educate the public about laboratory science. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience with air quality monitoring are required. The position is on-site, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend hours.
About the position

The Environmental Specialist position at the University of Iowa is a full-time role focused on providing essential environmental and public health information to enhance the overall health of the public and the quality of the environment. The specialist will perform a variety of tasks including inspections, sample collection, and conducting both quantitative and qualitative tests aimed at identifying, diagnosing, treating, researching, surveilling, or preventing diseases, as well as monitoring and preventing environmental pollution. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting public health by actively engaging in research to improve environmental conditions. In addition to monitoring environmental conditions, the Environmental Specialist will respond to emergency situations such as spills, natural disasters, and other environmental incidents. A significant part of the role involves informing and educating the general public and the environmental health community about laboratory science and its implications for public health. The work location is in Coralville, Iowa, and the position requires on-site work with a schedule of Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, with some weekend hours as needed periodically. The State Hygienic Laboratory, where this position is based, has been a leader in public health issues in Iowa since 1904. It serves all 99 counties in Iowa through disease detection, environmental monitoring, and newborn and maternal screening, making this role vital to the laboratory's mission and the health of the community.

Responsibilities
• Provide environmental and public health information to achieve overall health for the general public and quality of the environment.
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• Perform inspections, sample collection, and quantitative and qualitative tests for identification, diagnosis, treatment, research, surveillance, or prevention of disease.
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• Monitor environmental conditions for regulatory compliance and to protect public health.
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• Respond to emergency situations including spills, natural disasters, and other environmental insults.
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• Engage in research to improve environmental conditions.
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• Inform and educate the general public and the environmental health community regarding laboratory science.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a science with emphasis on analytical chemistry or equivalent experience.
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• Minimum of 1 year working knowledge of maintaining, servicing, and calibration of Air Quality monitoring equipment.
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• Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license and ability to meet University Fleet Safety Standards.
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• Ability to work with a variety of individuals, both as part of a team and in a leadership role.

Nice-to-haves
• Working knowledge of EPA ambient air quality regulations.
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• Ability to participate in the improvement and implementation of Air Quality operations.
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• Familiarity with PurpleAir/Small Sensor sampling network.
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• Working knowledge of writing, reviewing, and editing of Standard Operating Procedures.
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• Sound business ethics and adherence to values and principles in all business and personal transactions.

Benefits