SRF Project Compliance Specialist

State of Iowa•Des Moines, IA

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application. This position performs professional duties under the direction of the SRF Coordinator and Supervisor to support and ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and program requirements associated with the State Revolving Fund (SRF). The role is essential to ensuring that all state and federal requirements attached to SRF funding are met before loans are executed so that SRF funding can be released to the SRF borrower. The compliance specialist serves as the first point of contact for general SRF process and eligibility inquiries and provides direct support to applicants and staff, both virtually and in person. This includes one-on-one and group training sessions designed to promote understanding of compliance obligations and accurate documentation. The compliance specialist assists borrowers from project concept through completion, providing consistent guidance and oversight to borrowers, internal staff and external stakeholders. The position also acts as a liaison between SRF borrowers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in addressing domestic materials sourcing and resolving compliance challenges. A key responsibility involves guiding SRF applicants through federal cross-cutting requirements, including but not limited to equal employment opportunity, prevailing wage laws, debarment and suspension rules, and domestic sourcing mandates under initiatives such as American Iron and Steel (AIS) and Build America, Buy America (BABA). The role supports applicants in navigating these complex requirements to ensure full compliance throughout the SRF project lifecycle. Additionally, this position contributes to the development and administration of a comprehensive quality assurance program. This includes establishing policies, standard operating procedures, and corrective action plans to monitor adherence to applicable regulations and program guidance. The position may also be responsible for preparing audit findings and enforcement actions, participating in legal or administrative proceedings, and recommending updates to laws, rules, and procedures to enhance compliance efforts and departmental efficiency.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Natural Science or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any field that includes coursework or formal education related to compliance (e.g., business administration, management, law enforcement, finance, engineering, or a closely related discipline), or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating knowledge of compliance principles.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in natural science
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

Ensure Program and Financial Compliance: Monitor and evaluate State Revolving Fund (SRF) projects to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, administrative codes, and program requirements. Maintain accurate and up-to-date compliance records for financial and programmatic activities.
Conduct Compliance Reviews and Audits: Investigate, review, and audit SRF-funded projects to verify proper use of funds, adherence to environmental and financial regulations, and fulfillment of program objectives. Identify noncompliance issues and recommend corrective actions.
Research and Interpret Regulatory Requirements: Analyze federal and state statutes, administrative codes, policies, court decisions, and program guidance to interpret compliance standards and inform program decisions. Provide recommendations for developing or updating compliance procedures and precedents.
Administer Compliance Actions and Remedies: Apply appropriate compliance measures, including appeal rights, corrective actions, or other remedies, to ensure adherence to SRF program regulations and contractual obligations.
Deliver Quality Customer Service and Technical Support: Communicate clearly and professionally with internal staff, funding recipients, consultants, and the public. Provide guidance, technical assistance, and recommendations to ensure understanding and implementation of compliance requirements. Address and resolve customer concerns or escalate issues as appropriate.
Collaborate and Communicate Effectively: Facilitate cooperation among team members, management, and stakeholders to achieve program goals. Exchange information effectively through active listening, clear communication, and professional correspondence.
Demonstrate Organizational Commitment: Follow agency policies and procedures, support supervisory direction, and align actions with the mission and goals of the Iowa DNR. Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, trust, and continuous improvement within the organization.

Benefits

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.
Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
Workout/Gym facilities available onsite at 6200 Park Ave.