| Location | Des Moines, IA |
| Salary | $64,542.40–$99,424 Per Year |
Water Quality GIS Analyst
Salary
$64,542.40 - $99,424.00 Annually
Location
Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
27-00286
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Opening Date
07/29/2026
Closing Date
8/11/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-POST
Point of Contact
Mark Moeller; 515-214-9532; mark.moeller@dnr.iowa.gov
To Apply
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a resume and cover letter to the online application.
Job Description
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Water Quality Bureau is seeking a dynamic, self-starting, and highly collaborative professional to fill the role of Water Quality GIS Analyst (Geologist 3). This position is tailored for an energetic team player who enjoys working in a cross-functional environment and possesses the drive to take complex technical initiatives and independently run with them. Rather than operating in a data silo, you will serve as a vital storyteller and relationship-builder, bridging the gap between advanced spatial analytics and human-centric teamwork. You will work closely with a diverse team of internal water quality professionals, stakeholders, and state and federal agency partners to support the implementation of the Clean Water Act By turning complex monitoring data into clear, interactive visual tools, you will directly enhance public resource management with critical water quality spatial data.
Advanced Spatial Modeling & Clean Water Act Data Analysis
At the core of this role is the independent execution of high-level spatial analyses and data visualization using ESRIs ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Spatial Analyst tools. The daily workflow involves processing LiDAR elevation data, applying basic remote sensing principles, and performing spatial modeling to simulate critical environmental processes such as erosion, sedimentation, nutrient transport, and runoff. You will be responsible for creating interactive online resources, paper and electronic maps, and digital story maps that translate Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment (WQMA) data into meaningful tools for public education and decision-making. Additional core responsibilities include managing data across various WQMA databases, maintaining detailed metadata, and collaborating with program staff to identify lake or wetland footprints and map impaired waters coverages for the biennial 303(d)/305(b) Integrated Report.
Watershed Project Development & Field Implementation
This position demands a proactive approach to watershed project development, field implementation, and post-project evaluation. You will provide essential GIS data and technical guidance to watershed sponsors and project coordinators, utilizing tools like the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) and custom watershed characterization models. Furthermore, you will design mobile tools to collect field data and facilitate watershed fieldwork assessments targeting tillage practices, streambank and shoreline erosion, stream corridor characterization, and the location and condition of existing Best Management Practices (BMPs).
GIS Training, Technical Mentorship, & Liaison Duties
A defining aspect of this role is serving as an active technical mentor and educator for the bureau. You will regularly provide one-on-one coaching and organized training sessions to assist non-GIS professional staff and local project partners with basic to intermediate GIS needs and nonpoint source pollution reduction calculations. To build long-term capacity, you will author clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and build user-friendly map templates so that fellow staff can generate their own ongoing GIS products. Your communication and presentation skills will be utilized as you represent the Department at regional or national meetings, deliver formal presentations to public stakeholders, and serve as a liaison with other state and federal agencies. Finally, you will support data governance by collaborating with DNR staff and the Department of Management Division of Information Technology (DOM-DoIT) to establish unified enterprise data standards for all GIS-related projects.
Essential Functions:
Critical Job Competencies:
Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Communication Skills, Team Player, Customer Focus, Interpersonal Skills, Computer Skills, Self-Management Skills, Project Management, and Technical Skills in GIS Programs including but not limited to: ESRIs ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, Spatial Analyst modeling tools, ArcGIS Online, and other platforms for data visualization.
What You Get From Us:
(Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).
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.
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Pending Applicants: College or university students that are pending graduation in [MONTH} of 20[YY] with a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science are eligible to apply for this position. (remove if not using)
Ensure you are kept up-to-date on the status of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@governmentjobs.com. This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.
DNR Application Tips
For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employmentwebsite.
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 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.
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.
Selectives
230 Geographic Information Systems (Department of Natural Resources)
18 semester hours of education or 1 year of experience that demonstrates the applicant has competencies in the following areas: • Ability to create, edit, import, export, project, and georeferenced GIS data. • Demonstrated proficiency with the major ESRI software products. These products include ArcView, ArcInfo, ArcGIS. • Utilize user-developed and/or ESRI scripts and extensions for incorporation and utilization in projects. • Ability to conduct spatial analyses and queries in order to answer complex questions relating to spatial data. • Ability to produce cartographic documents which clearly present outputs from spatial analyses. Document formats should at a minimum include hardcopy as well as the following digital formats .pdf, .tif, and .jpg. • Ability to work with, or train, others to use GIS to attain a common goal Applicant must provide specific work examples to demonstrate each of the competencies. The examples should include a thorough explanation of the project goal, the process utilized and the result of the process.
AND
762 Water Resources
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both that encompasses the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of surface and ground water resources including the following: • Surface water hydrology • Ground water hydrology • Hydraulics • Water resources engineering • Natural resources conservation engineering • Water supply engineering • Water quality engineering • Erosion and sediment transport • Surface or ground water chemistry • Watershed dynamics • Limnology • Stream or wetland ecology The Water Resources selective is distinct from the Water Supply, Waste Water, Water Quality, and Chemistry selectives in that the Water Resources selective applies to the management, engineering, and quality analysis of surface and groundwater resources in the natural environment rather than the processing of water in a waste water or drinking water treatment plant or the analysis of water samples in a laboratory.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in geology.
2) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a natural science, computer science, math, or engineering field, and experience equal to four years of full-time work in ground water, soils, environmental geology, geographic information systems, or other related earth science specialty.
3) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. One year of full-time work experience in geology; and b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science equals one year of full-time experience; and c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science equals one year of full-time experience.
4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Geologist 2.
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.
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?
03
Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a degree in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work in geology?
04
Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a degree in a natural science, computer science, math, or engineering field,? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work in ground water, soils, environmental geology, geographic information systems, or other related earth science specialty.
05
Do you have all of the following - A, B AND C: A. One year of full-time work experience in geology; and B. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science equals one year of full-time experience; and C. A total of two years of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science equals one year of full-time experience.
06
Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Geologist 2 for the State of Iowa?
07
Does your application demonstrate that you have 18 semester hours of education or 1 year of experience in the following areas:
08
If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.]
09
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both that encompasses the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of surface and ground water resources including the following:
The Water Resources selective is distinct from the Water Supply, Waste Water, Water Quality, and Chemistry selectives in that the Water Resources selective applies to the management, engineering, and quality analysis of surface and groundwater resources in the natural environment rather than the processing of water in a waste water or drinking water treatment plant or the analysis of water samples in a laboratory.
10
If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above, please type in "No" in the box below.
11
After reviewing the list of essential functions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources position you are applying for, please answer the following question: Based on the list of essential functions listed within the job announcement, are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation?
12
Reference Checks: If you are one of the top candidates for this position, the Hiring Team may wish to contact the references provided by you or any others we deem appropriate in order to verify your current or prior employment for the purpose of evaluation of your qualifications for the above position. Any information obtained through a reference check shall be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code chapter 22). Please list below three professional business references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Please provide name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone, email, and full address of the reference. You may attach these to your application or type them in the box provided below.
Required Question
Employer State of Iowa
Agency 542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Address 6200 Park Ave
STE 200
Des Moines, Iowa, 50321
Website http://www.iowadnr.gov/