Environmental Specialist

State of Iowa • Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Environmental Specialist to join our Air Quality Bureau. This position plays a critical role in administering Iowa’s Title V Operating Permit Program and ensuring compliance with state and federal air quality regulations. As an Environmental Specialist, you will work directly with industrial facilities, environmental professionals, and regulatory partners to evaluate air emission sources, determine regulatory applicability, and develop operating permits that protect Iowa’s air resources. This position offers a unique combination of technical analysis, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Requirements

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to interpret technical, scientific, and regulatory information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• A commitment to public service and environmental protection.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a diverse team.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a 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.

Responsibilities

• Review and Develop Title V Operating Permits: Conduct comprehensive technical reviews of Title V operating permit applications. Evaluate facility operations, emissions data, and permit histories to determine compliance with state and federal air quality regulations. Verify facility applicability under the Title V program and assess potential-to-emit calculations. Identify and apply regulatory requirements, including: New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), Acid Rain and related federal air quality programs. Develop permit conditions, monitoring requirements, and compliance strategies to ensure facilities operate within regulatory limits.
• Perform Technical Analysis: Review emissions calculations, operational limitations, and supporting documentation. Analyze complex environmental data and determine applicable air quality requirements. Evaluate monitoring approaches ranging from routine observations to stack testing and Compliance Assurance Monitoring (CAM) plans.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Stakeholders: Communicate with facility representatives throughout the permit review process. Conduct site visits to observe emission sources, discuss permit requirements, and resolve technical issues. Coordinate with senior air quality staff, the U.S. EPA, neighboring states, and members of the public during permit review and public comment processes. Address comments and questions received during permit development and public review periods.
• Ensure Application Completeness: Conduct completeness reviews of initial and renewal Title V permit applications.
• Provide Technical Assistance: Respond to inquiries from the public, regulated facilities, and DNR staff regarding air quality regulations and permitting requirements. Research and communicate technical and regulatory information in a clear and professional manner. Document guidance and maintain accurate records for future reference.
• Review air quality Title V operating permit applications and draft Title V operating permits in compliance with the state and federal rules.
• Reads, evaluates, and understands permit applications, calculations, plans and specifications, and applicable air pollution control regulations.
• Performs complex mathematical calculations related to emissions of air pollution by employing computer tools as necessary.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, complex technical information, regulatory requirements, department policies, procedures, and guidance to public officials, industrial professionals, and others.
• Applies problem solving skills to air quality issues in order to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
• Effectively uses PC based computer system and software to utilize and input information into databases, permit forms, and to complete correspondence and other reporting.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• 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)
• Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level