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.

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

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 :

(Premiums can start as low as $64 / month for single and $210 / month for family coverage).

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 the for more benefit information.

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.

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

OR

Licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners.

For additional information, please click on this

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-friendlyGain 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.

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?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.

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?

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?

04

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

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.

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