SRF Project Compliance Specialist

State of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay plan

Health benefits start after 30 days

Vacation and sick leave

Nine paid holidays

Job summary

Iowa Department of Natural Resources seeks a compliance specialist to support State Revolving Fund (SRF) compliance with state and federal requirements. You will serve as liaison to applicants, staff, and EPA, and provide training to promote understanding of compliance obligations.

The role involves guiding applicants through cross‑cutting requirements like AIS and Buy America, developing quality assurance programs, and assisting with audits and enforcement actions to improve overall compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural science or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience applying state/federal laws and regulations in a compliance context.
• Ability to conduct audits, document findings, and develop corrective action plans.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance status for financial/programs and investigate or audit projects.
• Research applicable laws, codes, and regulations to establish precedents for compliance.
• Provide guidance to applicants, staff, and stakeholders and support training activities.

Skills

Accountability

Customer Focus

High Productivity

Integrity

Interpersonal Skills

Team Player

Communication Skills

Common Sense

Technical Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural science

Job description

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

This position performs professional duties under the direction of the SRF Coordinator and Supervisor to support and ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and program requirements associated with the State Revolving Fund (SRF). The role is essential to ensuring that all state and federal requirements attached to SRF funding are met before loans are executed so that SRF funding can be released to the SRF borrower.

The compliance specialist serves as the first point of contact for general SRF process and eligibility inquiries and provides direct support to applicants and staff, both virtually and in person. This includes one‑on‑one and group training sessions designed to promote understanding of compliance obligations and accurate documentation. The compliance specialist assists borrowers from project concept through completion, providing consistent guidance and oversight to borrowers, internal staff and external stakeholders. The position also acts as a liaison between SRF borrowers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in addressing domestic materials sourcing and resolving compliance challenges.

A key responsibility involves guiding SRF applicants through federal cross‑cutting requirements, including but not limited to equal employment opportunity, prevailing wage laws, debarment and suspension rules, and domestic sourcing mandates under initiatives such as American Iron and Steel (AIS) and Build America, Buy America (BABA). The role supports applicants in navigating these complex requirements to ensure full compliance throughout the SRF project lifecycle.

Additionally, this position contributes to the development and administration of a comprehensive quality assurance program. This includes establishing policies, standard operating procedures, and corrective action plans to monitor adherence to applicable regulations and program guidance. The position may also be responsible for preparing audit findings and enforcement actions, participating in legal or administrative proceedings, and recommending updates to laws, rules, and procedures to enhance compliance efforts and departmental efficiency.

Essential Functions

Ensure compliance status for financial/program. Investigate or audit projects for compliance. Research laws, court decisions, federal and state administrative code, procedures and program guidelines, for following or establishing precedents for compliance. Apply appeal rights and remedies related to compliance.

Works and communicates with all clients and customers quality professional service. Provides advice and recommendations to department staff as necessary. Resolves customer issues and escalates complaints when necessary. Exchanges information individuals or groups effectively by listening and responding appropriately.

Follows policy, cooperates with supervisors, and aligns behavior with the goals of the organization. Fosters and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity and team spirit throughout the organization.

Critical Job Competencies

DNR - Accountability, Customer Focus, High Productivity, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Team Player, Communication Skills, Common Sense, and Technical (State Revolving Fund, laws & rules, compliance)

WQI - Action‑oriented, Attention to Detail, Ethical Conduct, Computer Skills, Critical Thinking Skills, Project Management, and Self‑Management.

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.