Water Quality Infrastructure Engineer - Polk Co

Water Quality Infrastructure Engineer - Polk Co

Salary

$77,313.60 - $119,038.40 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00107

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

7/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

jake.hansen@iowaagriculture.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) exists to connect Iowans with programs and information about crops, food safety standards, livestock and more. We work together with local farmers markets and Iowa farmers to continue to support the robust industry and culture Iowa has focused around agriculture.

IDALS seeks to fill the position of Environmental Engineer Senior in the Water Resources Bureau. Specifically, the selected candidate will serve as a lead engineering and technical expert overseeing installation of water quality infrastructure practices in support of the Iowa Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

Duties of the selected candidate will include, but may not be limited to;

• Perform initial site visit and assist to verify eligibility of site for wetland development and suitability for practice installation prior to execution of a contract for outsourced engineering.
• Attend meetings with landowners and engineering consultant to review preliminary design to ensure specifications are met.
• Assist with review of final design and specification submittal from engineering consultant. Provide quality assurance and quality control with respect to project plans and specifications furnished to IDALS by engineering consultants. Provide technical assistance as needed to representatives of engineering consultants.
• Assist with development and submittal of information needed for various permits, including US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 and DNR Floodplain and Water Storage permits. This includes cultural resources assessments needed to expedite permitting processes and potential modification of designs depending on potential findings.
• Assist with review of construction bidding and contracting documents, attend pre-bid meetings and bid openings associated with water quality infrastructure projects bid by IDALS.
• Perform periodic site visits during construction and assist with processing of contractor and consulting engineer pay requests.
• Provide review of other edge-of-field practices and provide technical assistance to watershed coordinators and environmental specialists, and technicians who are collecting field data for those projects.
• Complete design of smaller wetlands and edge-of-field projects where it is determined that in-house design will be more efficient and cost effective.
• Visit completed sites in need of repairs or non-routine maintenance. Work with landowner and contractor to recommend appropriate remedy and ensure work is completed correctly.
• Provide training and guidance to technicians, SWCD employees, and environmental specialists on field data collection and survey techniques necessary for design and installation of water quality infrastructure practices.

Go to these links to learn more about the Water Resources Bureau. https://iowaagriculture.gov/water-resources-bureau and https://iowaagriculture.gov/video

Applicants may submit a cover letter and resume describing their relevant experience. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.

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.

As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $210.00 per month, single as low as $64.00 per month
• Dental insurance is free for single and $48.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long term disability insurance at no cost
• Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan
• In addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
• Paid leave includes - 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave

To learn more about benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee click here benefits to visit the web page.

Selectives

097 Civil Engineering 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or more of the following: • Survey crew • Construction inspector • Professional civil engineer Must be able to read blueprints, plans, and/or specifications.

OR

007 Agricultural Engineering 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both including knowledge in one or in a combination of the following areas: machinery and power systems, structural design, mechanical analysis or ventilation, and climate control.

OR

182 Environmental Engineering 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of engineering that is centered on the technology concerned with the reduction of pollution, contamination, and deterioration of the surroundings in which humans live.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, or Public Health Engineering and three years of full-time professional work in environmental engineering;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting thirty semester hours of accredited graduate level course work in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, or Public Health Engineering for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;

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.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Licensure as a Professional Engineer to practice in Iowa may be required at the option of the employing department within one year of employment.

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 Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, or Public Health Engineering? IF YES How many years do you have of full-time professional work in environmental engineering?

• I do not have a Bachelors Degree in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, or Public Health Engineering
• No full time professional work experience in environmental engineering
• Less than two years of full time professional work experience in environmental engineering
• Two years to less than three years of full time professional work experience in environmental engineering
• Three or more years of full time professional work experience in environmental engineering

04

How many years do you have of a combination of full time professional work experience in environmental engineering and GRADUATE level (post bachelors degree) course work in Environmental, Sanitary, Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, or Public Health Engineering?

30 semester hours equals one year of experience. Applicants may substitute a MAXIMUM of 60 semester hours (2 year) of graduate level course work in the designated areas

• I do not have any of the combined graduate education and/or experience
• Less than two years of full time professional work experience in environmental engineering
• Two years to less than three years of full time professional work experience in environmental engineering
• Three or more years of full time professional work experience in environmental engineering

05

Do you currently hold a licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners?

• Yes
• No

06

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both including knowledge of Agricultural Engineering, in one or in a combination of the following areas: machinery and power systems, structural design, mechanical analysis or ventilation, and climate control?

• Yes
• No

07

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or more of the following:

• Survey crew;
• Construction inspector;
• Professional civil engineer?

Must be able to read blueprints, plans, and/or specifications.

• Yes
• No

08

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Environmental Engineering, the area of engineering that is centered on the technology concerned with the reduction of pollution, contamination, and deterioration of the surroundings in which humans live?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "Yes" to the selective questions 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.]

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Address 1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/