Environmental Specialist Senior

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

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hiring a senior-level Environmental Specialist in the Land Quality Bureau’s Solid Waste and Contaminated Sites Section in Des Moines, Iowa. The role coordinates facility and project permitting for the Appliance Demanufacturing Permit (ADP), Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Recycling, and Waste Tire programs, supporting proper management, processing, recycling, or disposal of those materials. It also administers the Special Waste Authorization (SWA) Program, reviews waste characterizations to determine whether waste is hazardous under federal RCRA requirements, and guides generators and landfills on compliant waste handling and disposal. The position provides regulatory oversight of medical and infectious waste under state authority. Responsibilities include reviewing permit applications and determining whether to approve or deny them, issuing permits or project approvals within regulatory guidelines, and providing technical assistance to businesses, industries, and the public. The specialist maintains records in project tracking and permit databases, visits permitted facilities and projects, and attends meetings, conferences, and training workshops. The position communicates with DNR field office staff and internal and external stakeholders, presents program requirements to industry and stakeholder audiences, and responds to public questions, inquiries, and complaints. The role requires interpreting complex environmental regulations and technical information, applying principles and trends related to waste management, and communicating professionally and effectively. Periodic, infrequent travel is required for site and customer visits and coordination with state and federal agency partners. The position calls for initiative, attention to detail, customer service, teamwork, and ethical conduct. Flexible schedules and hybrid telework may be available with supervisor approval.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Science and three years of full-time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in a listed area; or an accepted equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to analyze, understand, and interpret complex environmental regulations and technical information.
Ability to evaluate and interpret principles, techniques, and trends concerning the proper management, processing, recycling, or disposal of waste streams.
Professional, accurate, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
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.
Periodic, infrequent travel for site and customer visits and coordination with state and federal agency partners.

Responsibilities

Coordinate facility and project permitting for the Appliance Demanufacturing Permit (ADP), Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Recycling, and Waste Tire programs.
Administer the Special Waste Authorization (SWA) Program.
Review waste characterizations to determine whether waste is hazardous under RCRA and provide direction on compliant handling and disposal.
Provide regulatory oversight of medical and infectious waste under state authority.
Review permit applications, determine whether applications can be approved or denied, and issue permits or project approvals within regulatory guidelines.
Provide technical assistance and direction to regulated businesses, industries, and the general public.
Maintain submittal, reporting, correspondence, and other documentation in project tracking and permit databases.
Visit permitted facilities and projects to provide support, guidance, and regulatory direction.
Attend statewide and national meetings, conferences, and training workshops as required or directed.
Coordinate with DNR field office staff on project-specific and site issues and meet with internal and external stakeholders.
Present program requirements and processes to industry and stakeholder audiences.
Respond to public inquiries, questions, and complaints related to regulated waste streams and programs.

Benefits

Insurance benefits beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
Separate vacation and sick leave accruals beginning on the first day, 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.
Family-friendly and professional work environment.
Employee discount programs for vision, cellular service, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, and counseling.
Flexible work schedules, subject to supervisor approval.
Hybrid telework opportunities, subject to supervisor approval.
Onsite workout and gym facilities.