Environmental Specialist - Polk Co

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) exists to connect Iowans with programs and information about crops, food safety standards, livestock and more. We work together with local farmers markets and Iowa farmers to continue to support the robust industry and culture Iowa has focused around agriculture. IDALS seeks to fill the position of Environmental Specialist in the Mines & Minerals Bureau .

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is currently seeking a motivated individual to fill the role of Environmental Specialist. As an integral part of the Mines and Minerals Bureau team, this individual plays a crucial role in improving water quality, and re-creating wildlife habitat by serving as a key worker for identifying and preparing abandoned mine land(AML) projects for reclamation. This position includes frequent field work, working with private landowners, engineers, and developing the required documentation for NEPA, cultural resources, and wetland clearance.

Duties of the selected candidate will include, but may not be limited to;

• Maintain overall inventory of Iowa Abandoned Mine (AML) Sites by updating features, contact information and history related to individual problem areas.
• Collects Inventory data and develops engineering Request for Proposals for project selection process.
• Participates in on-site technical reviews and assessments with OSMRE personnel, DSCWQ staff, landowners and consultants.
• Reviews and enhances GIS system to efficiently track AML project data. Update federal e-AMLIS database
• Ensure compliance with National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA) and other regulatory requirements.
• Conducts inventory activities on sites in preparation of developing the required environmental clearances from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and other regulatory agencies.
• Administers contracts for archaeological surveys. Completes wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species determinations.
• Participates in general program training for all MMB functions and maintains working knowledge of all program elements and project activities
• Project Monitoring.
• Conducts inspections of sites, inventories problem areas, and inspects sites during maintenance phase following completion of reclamation projects.
• Works with other staff and OSM oversight staff to ensure inspection requirements are met, completes proper reporting.
• Completes realty investigations to determine ownership of project areas and negotiates with landowners to secure needed easements for project construction.
• Administrative/Other Duties as assigned
  
  

The preferred candidate will have GIS experience and must maintain a valid driver’s license. Applicants may attach their cover letter and resume to their application.

Go to these links to learn more about the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Mines and Minerals Bureau https://iowaagriculture.gov/ and https://iowaagriculture.gov/mines-and-minerals-bureau

Benefits

As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $187.00 per month, single as low as $56.00 per month
• Dental insurance is free for single and $45.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long term disability insurance at no cost
• Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan
• In addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
• Paid leave includes – 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave
  
  

To learn more about benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee click here benefits to visit the web page.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume describing their relevant experience. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.

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 E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science;

OR

an equivalent combination of experience and education substituting one year of full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.