Environmental Engineer

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.  May/Spring semester graduates are encouraged to apply.

 

The DNR’s Air Quality Bureau provides a critical service for Iowa citizens and environmental quality by partnering with communities, business and industry, organizations and private citizens to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to create workable solutions to ensure that Iowa's air quality is maintained and is in compliance with all state and federal regulations. 

These important environmental engineer positions within the Bureau’s Air Construction Permits Section will assist with reviewing a wide variety of proposed industrial, municipal, utility, and commercial air construction permit applications. This professional work will provide the employee with the opportunity to learn about the diverse and ever changing landscape of the Iowa industrial sector, such as learning about new industrial processes, product designs and emerging technologies.

 

Duties for permit reviews will be to ensure that the proposed equipment has the potential to comply with state and federal air quality rules and sound engineering practices, through reviewing engineering data in the applications for accuracy and validity, and to then recommend issuance or denial of the permit, and prepare draft and final permits that incorporate all necessary state and federal requirements.

Permit application reviews will include analyzing and completing mathematical calculations of emissions from the proposed equipment, including potential reductions due to proposed control devices, a determination of the applicability of state and federal rules, such as Title V, Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), and determination of whether dispersion modeling is required and assisting the modeling staff and facility in development of mitigation scenarios, and inclusion of stack testing as necessary.

The engineering evaluation will also include documentation of these decisions, other information as required in the air quality construction permit manual, and rationale for any special permit conditions. Duties will include preparation of a cover letter and permit for an application for which issuance is recommended, containing all relevant requirements and associated rules specified, and adequate conditions for monitoring and documenting compliance with the limitations and rules. For an application for which denial is recommended, a denial notice will be prepared, with reasoning for denial of the permit request.

As related to these job duties, the position will represent the Department for meetings with stakeholders, regulated businesses and the public, and will respond to inquiries for information from consultants, organizations, other agencies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the general public.

This role provides a professional career opportunity for you to share your knowledge, experience, and passion to assist the DNR with its mission of conserving and enhancing our natural resources to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations. The DNR provides a culture of meaningful and satisfying work, a family-friendly, professional work environment, and opportunities for job growth, development, and a career in quality, public service.

Ability to read, evaluate and understand permit applications, technical calculations, engineering plans and specifications, and applicable air pollution control regulations; Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations; Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, complex technical information, regulatory requirements, department policies, procedures, and provide guidance to public officials, industrial professionals and others; Ability to apply problem solving skills to air quality issues in order to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations; Ability to effectively use PC based computer systems and software for mathematical computations, and to utilize and input information into databases, permit forms, and to complete correspondence and other reporting formats.

This position requires familiarity with technical concepts related to chemical, mechanical, civil and environmental engineering. Additional competencies include Accountability, Attention to Detail, Computer Skills, Communication Skills (written and verbal), Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Reasoning, Customer Focus, Flexibility, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, Team Player, and Technical Competence - air quality rules, procedures, and calculations.

 

 

This position is eligible for tele-work options for a significant portion of an employee’s work week, subject to the employee’s training schedule, duties, and needs of the program, as determined by the supervisor.

 

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected be at the base of the pay range, with additional salary increases that may occur after the first six months, and then annually, as applicable. This salary is based on a 40-hour work week, with compensation time off if any occasional overtime work would be necessary, allowing for a balanced work and personal lifestyle.

 

The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including quality, low-cost health, dental, and life insurance, and flexible medical spending account options. Two weeks of vacation in the first year are earned, with earned time off accruing immediately, separate sick leave accrual, and retention of unused vacation and sick leave hours, along with 10 paid holidays each year. An employee in this position begins retirement pension eligibility through the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS), and employees also have an option to enroll in a supplemental 401A retirement investment plan, with employer contribution. These benefits equal more than 30% of an employee salary. Visit the DAS website for more benefit information.

 

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;

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