Environmental Specialist

The State of Iowa is seeking an Environmental Specialist for its Air Quality Bureau. The role involves implementing air monitoring networks, managing contracts, reviewing reports, conducting audits, and developing monitoring methods. Responsibilities include statistical analysis of air data, ensuring compliance with air quality standards, and communicating findings to the public and stakeholders. The position requires a commitment to environmental stewardship and may involve weekend coverage.
Job Description
Are you passionate about being a good steward to our natural resources, educating others on how to protect the environment, and using science and math research methods to assist others with the protection of our state air quality? If so, you might be that perfect fit for an open position within the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Air Quality Bureau.
In this position, you will assist in implementing the state ambient air monitoring network so that the public, stakeholders, and policy makers have adequate data to make informed decisions regarding Iowa’s air quality.


Specifically, this position will work to review and update annual ambient air monitoring contracts with local air programs and the State Hygienic Laboratory.


This includes assisting in managing activities such as reviewing invoices and tracking budgets, assessing contract deliverables, reviewing reports, conducting audits, and participating in contractor meetings to review performance. This work also includes coordinating with contractors to site new or relocate existing monitors in accordance with Bureau monitoring objectives and EPA siting criteria, as well as working with contractors to develop equipment replacement plans, purchase monitoring equipment, maintain equipment inventory, and track equipment budgets. In addition, the position develops, reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Assurance Project Plans and Quality Management Plans.


This work may involve the development of new monitoring methods and laboratory analytical procedures or other special purpose monitoring plans.


Additional responsibilities include assembling, reviewing and performing statistical analysis of ambient air data to evaluate results and monitor performance. This work involves computing pollutant design values to determine compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); assisting in preparing annual State and Local Air Monitoring Stations (SLAMS) network data certification for submittal to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); developing an annual ambient air monitoring network plan for stakeholder input and submittal to the EPA; and developing other reports to summarize air quality data for the public, stakeholders, and air quality planners.


This position will routinely check pollution levels recorded by continuous air monitors and respond to pollutant exceedances. As required, the position will notify the public of elevated pollution levels through press releases or other agencies, respond to media and public inquiries; develop and update pollutant exceedance reports and provide stakeholders with data reports from EPA’s AQS database. This area of work will include assigned coverage on some weekends.


Essential Functions:
Read, interpret, and understand ambient air monitoring regulations, guidance, and quality assurance procedures.


Perform statistical analysis of air monitoring data and interpret results.


Prepare professional reports and plans for the public and EPA.


Gather relevant information systematically, seek input from others, consider a broad range of issues or factors, grasp complexities, and perceive relationships among data, events, problems or issues.


Understand and evaluate technical information related to the job.


Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with staff, clients, consultants, stakeholders, other government officials, media, and the general public.



Critical Job Competencies:
Accountability, Attention to Detail, Computer Skills, Communication Skills (Written and Oral), Complex Problem Solving, Common Sense, Critical Thinking and Reasoning, Customer Focus, Flexibility, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, Team Player, Technical Skills (emphasis on air quality rules, policies and procedures).


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 additi