Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineer

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Environmental Engineer

Salary

$62,337.60 - $96,699.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01256

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

11 / 12 / 2025

Closing Date

12 / 3 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Mike Sullivan, michael.sullivan@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-360-1671

To Apply

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

Description

Benefits

Questions

Job Description

Are you a soon-to-be or recent graduate looking to launch your career with meaningful public service and gain immediate, hands-on experience while working alongside a dedicated, experience team? Are you an Environmental Engineer looking for a change that offers a compelling sense of mission and better work-life balance and flexibility? If so, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Engineer to join our dedicated team within the Solid Waste and Contaminated Sites section of the Land Quality Bureau. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the protection of Iowa's environment and public health.

In this position, you will play a key role in supporting the Solid Waste and Contaminated Sites team within the Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Program, the Industrial Landfill Program, the Coal Combustion Residue Program, and the Construction & Demolition Landfill Program.

Your work will be centered around technical review and project management for Solid Waste Sanitary Landfills. You will spend most of your time acting as a technical reviewer. This involves reading and evaluating engineering plans, site reports, and environmental monitoring data for existing or proposed landfills before they can be permitted. You'll also conduct site visits as needed and be responsible for managing your projects to ensure they continue working towards completion or resolution. This position requires both verbal and written communication, including coordinating with DNR field office staff on project-specific and site issues; meetings with internal and external stakeholders e.g., solid waste agencies and their representatives, engineers, vendors, citizens, and private and public entities; and providing responses to public inquiries and requests for technical and regulatory information regarding your programs.

• College or university students that are pending graduation in December 2025 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, Biomedical, or Public Health Engineering are eligible to apply for this position.

Essential Functions

Read and comprehend plans and specifications for solid waste management operations and, as related to this understanding, perform technical calculations;

Use computers and basic computer software products for the purposes of data management, performing analytical functions, and generating reports, tables, and charts;

Present engineering and technical facts, data, and conclusions clearly and concisely, both orally and in written documents;

Develop, read, comprehend, and analyze laws, rules, reports, and related technical documents;

Travel with some overnight stays;

Organize and manage numerous project files;

Effectively communicate with applicants and the public;

Must have the capacity to adjust to change, work pressures, or difficult situations without undue stress;

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Common Sense, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Customer Focus, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Project Management, Self-Management, Team Player, and Technical Skills (solid waste / engineer).

What You Get From Us :

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.

Comments

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 theDAS website () for more benefit information.

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com (@govermentjobs.com) . 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.

Iowa DNR Mission

To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Minimum Qualification 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.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. ()

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes :

Competitive Compensation :

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator () .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness :

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning :

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS () .

Paid Time Off :

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development :

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) :

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion :

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career :

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here () to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

Yes - I understand and agree.

No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated 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?

Yes

No

04

Do you currently hold a Licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners?

Yes

No

05

After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question. Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation? Please indicate your response.

Yes

No

06

If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Address

6200 Park Ave

STE 200

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website

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