Environmental Specialist

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　　Environmental Specialist

　　Salary

　　$50,731.20 - $76,502.40 Annually

　　Location

　　Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

　　Job Type

　　Full-time

　　Job Number

　　24-02372

　　Agency

　　542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

　　Opening Date

　　01/17/2024

　　Closing Date

　　1/31/2024 11:59 PM Central

　　LinkedIn Tag

　　#LI-POST

　　Point of Contact

　　Eric Wiklund, [email protected], 515-630-9970

　　To Apply

　　The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a resume and cover letter to the online application.

　　Description

　　Benefits

　　Questions

　　Job Description

　　The Department of Natural Resources invites applicants to submit their current resume and cover letter along with the online application process.

　　Are you passionate about science and safeguarding water resources? If so, the Department of Natural Resources has an exciting opportunity for you! Our Water Quality Bureau is seeking individuals to join the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Section as an Environmental Specialists.

　　Position Overview:

　　As an Environmental Specialist in this role, you will collaborate with a team dedicated to ensuring the protection of Iowa's lakes, rivers, and streams by issuing individual and general NPDES permits. These permits play a crucial role in safeguarding water resources, imposing limits on pollutant discharge through specified permit conditions, monitoring and reporting requirements, and other measures to uphold water quality and public health. The permits effectively translate the general mandates of the Clean Water Act into tailored conditions aligned with the operations of each facility releasing pollutants.

　　The scope of permits covers municipal, industrial, and animal feeding operations. Beyond permit composition, this position offers the opportunity to engage with applicants on-site, deliver presentations about the NPDES program, and coordinate with local officials to ensure compliance with state and federal procedures.

　　The Department provides a comprehensive training program for this position, including training conducted by Department staff and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) courses.

　　Duties:

　　Draft, issue, reissue, modify, amend, or revoke NPDES permits for animal feeding operations, municipal, industrial, and semi-public facilities under the direction of the Section Supervisor.

　　Focus on municipal, industrial, and animal feeding operation NPDES permits.

　　Meet with applicants as required.

　　Conduct presentations about the NPDES program as assigned.

　　Coordinate with relevant local government officials to ensure adherence to all state and federal procedures.

　　Respond to inquiries regarding the NPDES program within specified time standards.

　　Essential Functions

　　Permit Management: Undertakes the drafting, issuing, reissuing, modifying, amending, or revoking of NPDES permits, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

　　Database Oversight: Monitors the status of projects and permits in the NPDS database, maintaining an organized and up-to-date record.

　　Regulatory Review: Scrutinizes and interprets federal and state laws, rules, regulations, standards, and guidance, effectively communicating them verbally and in writing to the public.

　　Technical Documentation: Creates professional and technical-level memos, reports, and project summary documents, including referral documents and case histories.

　　Effective Communication: Clearly and concisely communicates via telephone, ensuring clarity and understanding in all interactions.

　　Travel and Presentation: Travels as required and delivers articulate oral presentations to both technical/professional and lay groups, conveying information effectively.

　　Critical Job Competencies

　　Action-oriented/high productivity; Communication Skills; 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; Integrity; Interpersonal Skills. 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 $61/month for single and $205/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.

　　• Employee Assistance Program.

　　• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.

　　• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.

　　• Professional training opportunities.

　　• Flexible schedules and opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by supervisor).

　　• Family friendly and professional work environment.

　　• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).

　　The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their DAS on-line application. 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 (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.

　　For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment) website.

　　The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

　　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 thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClassDescriptions/EnvironmentalSpecialist-04513.pdf) .

　　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-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .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 (https://ipers.org/members) .

　　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 (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

　　01

　　Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

　　Yes - I understand and agree.

　　No

　　02

　　PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

　　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

　　03

　　Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science?

　　Yes

　　No

　　04

　　How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education and full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program? 30 semester hours of the required education equals one year of experience.

　　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

　　05

　　After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question: Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation?

　　Yes

　　No

　　06

　　Reference Checks: If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.

　　Required Question

　　Agency

　　State of Iowa

　　Agency

　　542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

　　Address

　　Wallace State Office Building

　　502 E 9th St, 4th Floor

　　Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

　　Website

　　http://www.iowadnr.gov/

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