Environmental Specialist

Overview

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

The primary focus of this position is the drafting and issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for municipal and industrial facilities. You will serve as a technical resource for permit tees, ensuring they understand and comply with state and federal water quality regulations. By managing a portfolio of permits, you will directly contribute to the DNR’s mission of effectively implementing the statewide NPDES program and safeguarding Iowa's natural resources.

• Permit Drafting & Issuance:
  Technical review and drafting of NPDES permits for municipalities and industries to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
• Backlog Management:
  Actively work to reduce the NPDES permit backlog by processing applications and renewals in a timely manner.
• Technical Assistance:
  Provide expert guidance and customer service to facility owners, operators, and the public regarding permit requirements and environmental regulations.
• Program Implementation:
  Support the Water Quality Bureau in maintaining the integrity and capacity of the statewide NPDES program.

• Technical Expertise:
  Strong understanding of environmental regulations and the ability to apply complex standards to permit drafting.
• Communication:
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills for providing technical assistance and managing customer service inquiries.
• Analytical Thinking:
  Ability to evaluate technical data and industrial/municipal processes to determine appropriate discharge limits and conditions.
• Organization & Productivity:
  Proven ability to manage a high volume of permits and meet deadlines to maintain section capacity.

• 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.

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 for more benefit information.

Pending Applicants:
College or university students that are pending graduation in May of 2026 with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science are eligible to apply for this position.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from  This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.

DNR Application Tips

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the…