Environmental Engineer

Job Description

The Flood Plain and Dam Safety Section of the DNR provides a critical service to the state of Iowa in making sure that development and construction in Iowa's floodplains is conducted responsibly to reduce the risk of flooding damages.

The section has a position available for engineering reviews of a wide variety of proposed construction projects, including dams, bridges/culverts, streambank stabilization, and new buildings. College or university students that are pending graduation in December 2024, with a Bachelor’s Degree in related engineering fields, are eligible to apply for this position, with the selected candidate starting work an estimated two weeks after their graduation date.

These project reviews consist of the use of various hydrologic and hydraulic references, modeling software, and analytical tools to ensure the project is protected from flooding and doesn’t make flooding impacts worse for others. Related job duties include providing technical assistance to customers including providing 100 year flood elevation and floodplain determinations.

The position will also coordinate with the Department’s Environmental Services Division field offices for complaints and inquiries regarding flood plain development; the position will coordinate various aspects of flood plain development with other bureaus within the Department, along with other local, state and federal agencies.

A successful candidate should have an enthusiasm for hydrology and hydraulics either through work experience or coursework. After a period of training provided by the Department, the position involves independent work with minimal guidance or supervision from the section supervisor. The position's duties require sound engineering judgment, and the timely and consistent interpretation and application of administrative rules within the review process, with proper documentation and filing of project information.

Essential Functions

Applicants must be able to develop a working knowledge of regulatory floodplain permitting rules and flood plain standards including various engineering modeling tools.

This Includes The Ability To

• Calculate flood frequency flows using various tools such as GIS spatial analysis, USGS StreamStats, regional regression equations, rainfall-runoff models, or stream gauge data;
• Develop or review submitted water surface profile models such as HEC-RAS, Iowa Bridge Backwater program, or TUFLOW;
• Determine backwater created by bridges, culverts, levees, and other projects;
• Establish floodway encroachment limits using scientific calculations and mathematical computations.
• Duties require occasional travel for meetings, training, and field visits to site locations.
  
  

Critical Job Competencies

Critical Job Competencies: Technical - hydrology and hydraulics, water resource and flood plain management; Accountability, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Communication Skills (written and verbal), Computer Skills, Critical Thinking and Reasoning, Customer Focus, High Productivity, and Team Player

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 $61/month for single and $205/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.
• Flexible schedules and opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by supervisor).
• 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.
  
  

For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.

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.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their DAS on-line application. 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;

OR

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

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.