Environmental Compliance Data & Reporting Specialist

State-of-Iow; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits

Vacation and sick leave

IPERS retirement

403/457 plan options

Professional training

Flexible schedules

Hybrid telework

Onsite gym

Job summary

Iowa Department of Natural Resources seeks a detail-oriented Environmental Program Specialist to manage EPCRA Tier II reporting and support CWA data systems. You will coordinate with over 4,700 facilities, ensure data integrity, and drive compliance initiatives across Iowa.

Ideal candidates bring a natural science background, strong communication skills, and experience with Tier II reporting systems and MS Office/Google Suite. The role may involve travel and public-facing briefings.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or equivalent experience.
• Experience with environmental compliance programs or data management is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple data systems and communicate regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage EPCRA Tier II program data, reports, and stakeholder communications.
• Serve as SME and primary contact for regulated facilities and first responders.
• Assist with CWA compliance data management and data integrity improvements.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Analytical

Data integrity

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural science

Tools

MS Office

Google Suite

E-Plan Tier II

Job description

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical Environmental Program Specialist to manage Iowa's Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Tier II Program and support Clean Water Act (CWA) compliance data systems.

In this role, you will act as the statewide Subject Matter Expert and primary contact for over 4,700 Iowa businesses handling hazardous chemicals. Additionally, you will drive data integrity, compliance tracking, and process improvement efforts supporting CWA regulations across Iowa.

Key Responsibilities

1. EPCRA Tier II Program Management:
   • Manages the Department's E-Plan (Tier II e-reporting system) contract. Attends training sessions and communicates important updates to regulated parties, first responders, and emergency management coordinators.
   • Access, input, interpret, and manage EPCRA Tier II reports in Department computer systems related to regulated facilities and environmental monitoring. Utilize computer systems in preparation for monitoring environmental compliance, retrieval of data in response to inquiries, and preparation of reports and other communications. This includes use of multiple database systems and the MS Office and Google Suite.
   • Investigates noncompliance activities and independently corresponds to entities utilizing verbal and/or written communication informing them of noncompliance. Alerts management when noncompliance cannot be accomplished and when directed informs EPA EPCRA coordinator of the situation. Acts as the liaison between DNR and EPA for EPCRA Tier II reporting issues.
   • Prepares written or statistical reports using computer software (including tables, charts, graphs) to disseminate, interpret, or explain information to agency staff, facility operators, governmental agencies, courts, private industry representatives, or the general public.
   • Provides technical assistance in specific environmental control program areas; to local boards of health, public and industrial officials, and the general public to facilitate compliance with appropriate regulations. Makes presentations to public and professional groups on the EPCRA Tier II reporting requirements and related topics to provide current information.
2. Assist with Clean Water Act (CWA) Compliance Data Management:
   • Access, input, interpret, and manage CWA compliance information related to regulated facilities and environmental monitoring. Utilize facility records and computer systems in preparation for monitoring environmental compliance, retrieval of data in response to inquiries, and preparation of reports and other communications. This includes use of multiple database systems and the MS Office Suite and Google Suite.
   • Identifies and coordinates routine data maintenance and transfer activities for multiple computer data systems. Works with other DNR, EPA and permitted facility staff to ensure data errors are addressed in a timely manner. Completes follow up activities to ensure CWA compliance data integrity.
   • Reviews and evaluates compliance monitoring data in an effort to identify noncompliance trends, emphasizing those entities in significant non-compliance. Creates a list of facilities with a history of non-compliance and shares with DNR field staff. Works with field staff to update the facility's compliance status as activities are completed.
   • Provides guidance and expertise in compiling data and interpreting rules and regulations for management and field staff to provide assistance with inspection targeting and meeting program goals.
   • Prepares CWA compliance activity reports used by DNR management; assists with annual reporting preparation to EPA. Assist with planning agency annual inspection commitments while evaluating agency goals and national compliance initiatives. Collaborate with EPA and DNR staff when negotiating terms of the program performance grant.
   • Evaluates and assists management with coordination of process improvement efforts that will increase efficiency of data management systems, including electronic Discharge Monitoring Reports (e-DMR) submittals.

Additionally, this position will assist with Department emergency planning activities through collaboration with agency management and other subject matter experts while representing DNR at the State Emergency Operations Center.

Essential Functions

Determines compliance with environmental programs, including but not limited to EPCRA and Clean Water Act programs.

Reviews technical reports for accuracy and completeness, including safety data sheets for thousands of hazardous chemicals and CWA monthly discharge monitoring reports.

Communicates clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, technical information, regulatory requirements, department policies, procedures, and guidance to public officials, industrial professionals, and others.

Uses PC based computer systems and software, routinely and effectively, for oral and written communication, and to utilize databases, develop spreadsheets, research reference documents, and analyze data.

Takes instructions or requests from Supervisor and Lead Worker.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with management, DNR staff, stakeholders and the public.

Adjusts to change, work pressures, or difficult situations.

Demonstrates initiative, a customer service and team orientation, and high standards of ethical conduct.

May travel periodically during the work week with some overnight stays.

Assist with emergency planning activities.

Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Customer Focus, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Self-Management, Technical Skills (Environmental compliance/regulations/rules).

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

Must possess or obtain a valid Iowa driver’s license

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 Link: https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/spills-emergency-planning/chemical-inventory-reporting

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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 Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

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.

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.