Water Quality Management Analyst

Water Quality Management Analyst

Salary

$63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01079

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

10/14/2026

Closing Date

10/29/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Lori McDaniel, lori.mcdaniel@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-423-6485

To Apply

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

• 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 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) is seeking an energetic, analytical, and team-oriented professional to join our Water Quality Bureau as a Management Analyst 3. This high-impact, multifaceted role serves as the bureaus strategic lead for financial modeling, complex project management, administrative rulemaking, grant administration, and EPA Quality Management Plan (QMP) data governance across six (6) bureau sections and more than 20 distinct funding streams.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Policy Analytics

• Evaluate, design, and maintain financial tracking and multi-year budget models across 20+ bureau funding sources and fee programs.
• Analyze Iowa Code and Administrative Rules to advise leadership on fee structures, statutory spending limits, and long-term financial strategy.
• Establish annual spending procedures, track federal grant cycles, and conduct financial analyses to recommend policy adjustments.

Enterprise Project & Grant Administration

• Lead cross-functional project management for statewide Water Quality Bureau initiatives and continuous process improvement efforts.
• Manage the full lifecycle of complex projects-defining scope, tracking milestones, managing risks, and ensuring deliverables are met.
• Oversee federal grants and contracts from proposal writing through service delivery and workflow design.

Administrative Rules & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate the administrative rulemaking process across six bureau sections in partnership with program leads and legal counsel.
• Coach program staff on rule-drafting standards to build regulatory capacity across the bureau.
• Lead stakeholder engagement strategies to gather public feedback and develop staff training on updated regulations.

Operational Governance & EPA Quality System Compliance

• Serve as primary operational liaison for bureau-wide initiatives, tracking progress and budget impacts to advise leadership on resource needs.
• Manage bureau-wide digital records archiving and coordinate public records request compliance.
• Direct the bureau's EPA Quality Management Plan (QMP), overseeing Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), SOPs, QA/QC audits, and data governance.

Essential Functions

• Evaluates and designs multi-year financial projection models and budget tracking systems across bureau funding

sources.

• Analyzes state statutory and administrative code regulations to advise bureau management on fee structures and financial policy decisions.
• Directs end-to-end project management for complex, statewide special projects and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Oversees the administration of federal grants and contracts, including proposal development, execution tracking, and reporting.
• Manages the bureau's EPA Quality Management Plan (QMP) framework, overseeing QAPP/SOP compliance, quality audits, and environmental data governance.
• Facilitates the administrative rulemaking process across bureau sections, coaching staff on rule-drafting standards and coordinating with legal counsel.
• Evaluates bureau project plans and operational initiatives against budget parameters, tracking milestones to advise leadership on fiscal impacts and resource needs.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Team Player, Communication Skills, Customer Focus, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, Computer Skills, Technical Skills (Budget & Grant Administration, Collaborative Facilitation).

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.

Water Quality Bureau Webpage

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.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 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 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

Budgeting

6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in preparing, analyzing budgets; and providing advice/technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.

AND

Business

6 months' experience and 12 semester hours or a combination of both in one or more of the following: • Accounting • Actuarial science • Auditing • Banking • Economics • Grant writing • Grant management • Finance • Marketing • Management • Personnel • Public administration • Management analysis • Retail business • Statistics • Computer science • Computer information systems • Business education • Political science

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations.

• All of the following (a and b):

• Three years of full-time work experience in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations; and

• 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 any field equals one year of full-time experience.

• All of the following (a, b, and c):

• One year of full-time work experience in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations; and

• 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 any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

• 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 business administration, industrial management, statistics, natural science, or a closely-related field equals one year of full-time experience.

• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as a Management Analyst 2 or two and a half years as a Management Analyst 1.

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 any field? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations?

• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than one year of experience in the identified areas
• One year to less than two years of experience in the identified areas
• Two years to less than three years of experience in the identified areas
• Three or more years of experience in the identified areas
• Not applicable

04

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch) how many years of full-time experience as a Management Analyst 2 for the State of Iowa do you have?

• No Experience as a Management Analyst 2
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months or more

05

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch) how many years of full-time experience as a Management Analyst 1 for the State of Iowa do you have?

• No Experience as a Management Analyst 1
• Less than 12 months of experience as a Management Analyst 1
• 12 months to less than 18 months of work experience as a Management Analyst 1
• 18 months to less than 24months of work experience as a Management Analyst 1
• 24 months to less than 30 months of work experience as a Management Analyst 1
• 30 months or more of work experience as a Management Analyst 1
• Not applicable - I am not a State Employee

06

Do you meet A and B: A. Three years of full-time work experience in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations; 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 any field equals one year of full-time experience.

• Yes - I meet A and B
• I do not meet A and B

07

Do you meet A, B and C: A. One year of full-time work experience in project management; management analysis; data science; business systems analysis; or professional-level program administration, development, or operations: 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 any field 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 business administration, industrial management, statistics, natural science, or closely related fields equals one year of full-time experience.

• I meet A, B and C
• I do not meet A, B and C

08

Selective 058 (Budgeting)

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in preparing, analyzing budgets; and providing advice/technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation?

• Yes
• No

09

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.

10

Selective 063 (Business)

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

Accounting

Actuarial science

Auditing

Banking

Economics

Grant writing

Grant management

Finance

Marketing

Management

Personnel

Public administration

Management analysis

Retail business

Statistics

Computer science

Computer information systems

Business education

Political science

• Yes
• No

11

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.]

12

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?

• Yes
• No

13

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/