Environmental Engineer

State of Iowa•Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hiring an Environmental Engineer in the Land Quality Bureau’s Financial and Business Assistance Section in Des Moines, Iowa. The role supports Pollution Prevention Services by conducting confidential, on-site assessments for customers in industry, hospitals, schools, government, and commercial facilities. Assessments examine industrial processes, mechanical systems, and energy efficiency, and recommend improvements to eliminate waste or reduce energy use. The engineer identifies, quantifies, and communicates assessment findings and options related to HVAC, air compressors, boilers, lighting, heat recovery, water reuse and conservation, solid and hazardous waste reduction, energy consumption, and emissions. The role also reviews and prepares studies, plans, specifications, and cost-savings estimates for improvements. The position assists with the Pollution Prevention Intern Program by training, mentoring, and developing interns, delivering training modules during annual training sessions, and identifying and addressing interns’ mentoring needs. Frequent travel is required for site and customer visits, presentations to customers and stakeholder audiences, and coordination with state and federal agency partners. The role applies technical and regulatory knowledge to provide assistance to Iowa businesses and industries, and works collaboratively with internal and external team members. The department describes the position as mission-driven, with a family-friendly professional environment, work-life balance, and flexibility. Flexible schedules and hybrid telework may be available with supervisor approval.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, Biomedical, or Public Health Engineering, or licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners.
Ability to analyze, understand, and interpret complex environmental regulations and technical information related to environmental and energy issues.
Ability to perform technical calculations, verify results, and prepare assessment reports and recommendations.
Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to use computer software programs at a moderate to advanced level.
Initiative, attention to detail in technical work, customer service and team orientation, and ethical conduct.
Technical skills in mechanical, chemical, environmental, and industrial engineering.
Ability to travel frequently for site and customer visits, presentations, and partner coordination.

Nice To Haves

College or university students pending graduation in December 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field related to the job duties are eligible to apply.

Responsibilities

Conduct confidential, on-site pollution prevention assessments for identified customer groups, including industry, hospitals, schools, governments, and commercial facilities.
Assess industrial processes, mechanical systems, and energy efficiency, and recommend improvements to eliminate waste or reduce energy consumption.
Identify, quantify, develop, communicate, and report assessment findings and options related to HVAC, air compressors, boilers, lighting, and heat recovery.
Identify opportunities for water reuse and conservation, solid and hazardous waste reduction, and energy and emissions reductions.
Review and prepare studies, plans, specifications, and cost-savings estimates for improvements.
Perform technical calculations, verify results, and provide assessment reports and recommendations for waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and wastewater treatment.
Assist with oversight and integration of the Pollution Prevention Intern Program.
Train, mentor, and develop Pollution Prevention interns; deliver training modules during annual training sessions and assess and address interns’ mentoring needs.
Travel for site and customer visits, make presentations to customer, industry, and stakeholder audiences, and coordinate with state and federal agency partners.
Analyze, interpret, and apply environmental regulations and technical information to provide technical assistance to Iowa businesses and industries.
Apply continuous improvement processes and measures to projects, training, and mentoring.
Communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders and collaborate with internal and external team members.

Benefits

Insurance benefits beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment.
Separate vacation and sick leave accruals beginning on the first day of employment, with annual rollover.
Nine paid holidays per year.
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
Professional training opportunities.
Employee discount programs for vision, cellular service, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, and counseling.
Flexible work schedules, with supervisor approval.
Opportunities for hybrid telework, with supervisor approval.
On-site workout and gym facilities.