Environmental Specialist
Job details
- Location
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $54,350 - $81,973/yr
- Posted
- 4 weeks ago
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
Job Description
This position is for permanent Iowa Department of Natural Resources employees. Those in any other status are not eligible to apply.
The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Environmental Specialist to join our Water Quality Bureau’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Section. This position plays a vital role in safeguarding Iowa's natural resources by overseeing and implementing the NPDES program and providing technical support to regulated non-pretreatment communities, industries, and department staff on pretreatment program requirements.
The primary focus of this position is implementation of NPDES Pretreatment Program. These responsibilities include:
- Reviewing industrial treatment agreements for accuracy and completeness and provide approval when appropriate.
- Providing technical support to regulated non-pretreatment communities, industries. This includes, but is not limited to, phone calls, emails, research for information, site visits, preparing and delivering presentations, collecting data, and preparing reports.
- Preparing semi-annual industrial user compliance report for industrial contributors in non-pretreatment cities to meet EPA’s pretreatment program requirements.
- Providing assistance to Field Offices and other department staff on pretreatment topics.
- Providing training and outreach to industries and city personnel on pretreatment permitting and compliance issues.
Additionally, this position will:
- Draft, issue, reissue, modify, amend or revoke NPDES permits for municipal, industrial, semi-public, storm water and confined animal feeding operation facilities as directed by the Section Supervisor.
- Meet with applicants as needed. Make presentations about NPDES program as assigned.
- Coordinate with appropriate local government officials to assure that all state and federal procedures are met and provide required public participation.
Essential Functions
- Evaluates industrial treatment agreements for approval/disapproval.
- Tracks industrial treatment agreements in NPDS database.
- Works with wastewater treatment plant operators to ensure compliance and provide technical assistance.
- Reviews and interprets federal and state laws, rules, regulations, standards and guidance, policies, etc. and effectively communicates to the public.
- Composes, at a professional technical level, memos, reports and project summary documents including referral documents and case histories.
- Prepares semi-annual industrial user compliance reports.
- Drafts, issues, reissues, modifies, amends or revokes NPDES permits.
- Tracks status of projects/permits in NPDS database.
- Communicates clearly and concisely using the telephone.
- Views and uses a computer screen, types and enters data using a computer P.C. keyboard.
Special Requirements:
This position will travel and make oral presentations to technical, professional and lay groups.
Critical Job Competencies
Action-oriented/high productivity; Communication Skills (written and oral); Accountability; Customer Focus; Critical Thinking Skills and Reasoning Skills; Attention to Detail; Team Player; Self-management; Passion for the Work; Planning and Evaluating Skills; Computer Skills (views/uses computers daily and enters data); Integrity; Interpersonal Skills; Common Sense. Technical Competency - Water Resources.
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.
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.
Program Webpage Link: https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/water-quality/wastewater-permitting-npdes
Video Link: https://youtu.be/HKZcWDtoKXs?si=md8ALbglhiMv7s4v
Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from [email protected]. This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.
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.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in natural science;
OR
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.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
Benefits
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!
Supplemental Questions
- Yes - I understand and agree.
- No
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
- Yes
- No
- I do not have any of the required education and experience
- Two years or less of the required education and experience
- Two years to less than four years of the required education and experience
- Four years or more of the required education and experience
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerState of IowaAgency 542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Address 6200 Park AveSTE 200
Des Moines, Iowa, 50321 Website http://www.iowadnr.gov/