Environmental Engineer

About the role

Applicants are encouraged to attach a resume and a one-page cover letter highlighting how their specific experience aligns with this role and explain why they are interested in working for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has an exciting, environmental engineering position available within the Land Quality Bureau, located in Des Moines, Iowa. If you are seeking an opportunity to use your education, skills and experience in career work that offers a compelling sense of mission, as well as a better work-life balance and flexibility, this position offers you the opportunity to contribute directly to the quality of Iowa’s environment.

You will have a key role within the Financial and Business Assistance Section, with responsibilities to complete confidential, on-site assessments on behalf of the Pollution Prevention Services’ programs for identified customer groups within industry, hospitals, schools, governments, and commercial facilities; the assessments will focus on industrial processes, mechanical systems and energy efficiency, and will be designed to make recommendations for improvements that eliminate waste and/or reduce energy consumption.

The candidate should have the ability to identify, quantify, develop and relay and report assessment findings associated with energy uses and alternative options in the areas of HVAC, air compressors, boilers, lighting, and heat recovery, and the ability to identify opportunities for water reuse and conservation, solid and hazardous waste reductions, as well as energy consumption and emissions reductions. Duties will include the review and preparation of studies, plans, specifications and cost savings estimates for improvements.

Job duties will also include assistance with oversight and integration of the Pollution Prevention Intern Program, which is designed to provide college interns with hands-on learning of pollution prevention assessment and project implementation techniques. The position will be responsible for training, mentoring, and skill development of Pollution Prevention interns, the delivery of training modules to interns during annual training sessions, and the assessment of intern mentoring needs and fulfilling those needs throughout the internships.

Periodic, frequent travel is required for site and customer visits, making presentations to customer, industry and stakeholder audiences on the program’s purpose and value, and coordination with other state and federal agency partners.

Essential Functions

This position requires the ability to analyze, understand, and interpret complex environmental regulations and technical information related to environmental and energy issues, and to then apply this information and knowledge to provide technical assistance to Iowa businesses and industries.

• Functions include performing technical calculations, verifying results and providing assessment reports and recommendations for solid and hazardous waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation and wastewater treatment.
• Functions include understanding and applying continuous improvement processes and measures to all projects, training and mentoring engineering students, and collaboratively working with internal and external team members

This position requires verbal and written communication skills to communicate professionally and effectively, meetings with internal and external stakeholders, and the ability to use computer software programs at a moderate to advanced level. Must demonstrate initiative, attention to detail in technical work, a customer service and team orientation, and ethical conduct.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, High Productivity, Self-Management, Customer Focus, Interpersonal Skills, Team Player, Computer Skills, Integrity, and Technical Skills (mechanical, chemical, environmental and industrial engineering).

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, Des Moines.

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 DAS website for more benefit information.

Program Webpage Link

Pending Applicants

• College or university students that are pending graduation in December 2026 with a Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering field related to these job duties 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.