Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist

Salary

$54,350.40 - $81,972.80 Annually

Location

Johnston - 50131 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00850

Agency

582 Iowa Department of Public Defense

Opening Date

09/21/2026

Closing Date

10/1/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

dpdhumanresources@dpd.iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

What We Are Seeking:

The Department of Public Defense seeks to hire an Environmental Specialist

Who We Are:

Our Agency directly supports the Iowa National Guard sustainment, readiness and modernization, providing support so they are able to fulfill their missions in Iowa's communities or their work for the State during emergencies or times of need. We are made strong by a highly qualified, diverse and talented staff. Working at the Iowa Department of Public Defense will provide you the opportunity for a robust career!

What You'll Do:

• Hazardous Waste Management: Work directly with Environmental Team and Iowa Army National Guard Personnel to schedule, organize and coordinate hazardous waste management. This will also include proper labeling, documentation, and inspections of all hazardous wastes.
• Supply Management: Manage the inventory of hazardous waste containers and emergency spill supplies
• Recycling Program Management: Manage the cardboard, paper, scrap metal, and wood recycling program. This will include operating an industrial bailer to bundle paper for recycling and researching future recycling opportunities.

Location and hours - Camp Dodge, 7105 NW 70th Ave. Johnston, IA 50131 and Monday-Friday (Flexible Schedule).

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, youll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

Why Choose Us?

Choose us for our strong team culture, positive work environment and opportunities for professional growth and development. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. An individual shall not be denied equal access to state employment opportunities because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or physical or mental disability. The State of Iowa is an E-Verify employer. A complete package combining benefits, career and personal development is available here for you. Dive into our recruitment page to explore what sets us apart and come be a part of our team!

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 Bachelors 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.

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

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in a natural science?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education and full-time professional work in an environmental, radiation control, environmental health or food sanitation program? 30 semester hours of the required education equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the required education and experience
• Two years or less of the required education and experience
• Two years to less than four years of the required education and experience
• Four years or more of the required education and experience

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 582 Iowa Department of Public Defense Address 7105 NW 70th Ave

Johnston, Iowa, 50131

Website https://dpd.iowa.gov/