Job Information
Iowa Department of Administrative Services Lake Restoration Specialist in Des Moines, Iowa
Lake Restoration Specialist
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Lake Restoration Specialist
Salary
$59,051.20 - $91,083.20 Annually
Location
Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
25-01991
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Opening Date
01/17/2025
Closing Date
2/10/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-POST
Point of Contact
Travis Baker, travis.baker@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-729-4407
To Apply
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 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 (DNR) encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
The Iowa DNR is seeking a passionate and skilled Lake Restoration Specialist (Environmental Specialist Senior) to join our Lake Restoration Program (LRP) and help us fulfill our mission of enhancing Iowa’s natural resources while working with communities and partners to improve water quality. Established in 2006, the LRP improves water quality, habitat, watershed protection, infrastructure, and recreational opportunities at Iowa’s publicly owned lakes. By fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, private landowners, and natural resource professionals, the DNR ensures restoration projects are successful and sustainable. Strong local commitment to protect lakes and watersheds is central to the program’s mission.
Position Overview
The Lake Restoration Specialist is a vital member of the DNR’s Lake Restoration Program team. This role involves advanced professional work supporting lake restoration initiatives across Iowa. The Specialist will lead project implementation, provide technical expertise, and coordinate with stakeholders to enhance water quality and ecosystem health in Iowa’s lakes and watersheds. This position requires a collaborative mindset, strong project management skills, and a passion for advancing the DNR’s mission.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Project Management:
Lead partners in planning and implementing lake restoration projects.
Identify and evaluate proposed projects or sites for inclusion in the LRP.
Collaborate with DNR divisions and external agencies to identify project components.
Develop project schedules to ensure timely completion of goals.
Coordinate with DNR’s Engineering Bureau to implement projects, including securing cultural resources permits and managing archaeological investigations.
Guide local Natural Resource Biologists in identifying restoration opportunities that meet program criteria.
Assist project partners in assembling technical teams, coordinating assessments, and developing lake improvement plans.
Evaluate technical accuracy of projects and recommend necessary plans to achieve objectives.
Prepare technical reports and public materials for diverse audiences.
Program Management:
Work with the LRP Coordinator to oversee statewide implementation of lake restoration projects.
Maintain databases and spreadsheets to track phases of past, current, and proposed projects.
Develop and update statistical and background information for planning and project prioritization.
Manage contracts and consultant agreements in compliance with procurement policies.
Respond to inquiries related to the LRP.
Communication and Reporting:
Organize and participate in public meetings to solicit support for LRP projects.
Build partnerships with local, state, and federal entities, leveraging resources for LRP initiatives.
Regularly communicate project statuses with internal and external stakeholders.
Compile and deliver the annual LRP report to the legislature.
Budget Management:
Collaborate with the LRP Coordinator to develop five-year and ten-year budgets.
Maintain programs to track project status, including budget and schedules.
Lead preparation of project-level budgets and identify alternative funding sources.
The Lake Restoration Specialist role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on Iowa’s natural resources. By improving water quality and fostering strong community partnerships, you will contribute to healthier ecosystems and enhance recreational opportunities for all Iowans. Join our team of dedicated professionals passionate about conservation and environmental stewardship.
Essential Functions
Assess water quality issues of significant publicly owned lakes
Read, interpret, and accurately obtain necessary information from scientific reports, search for precedents, and seek out alternative procedures for problems or projects
Plan and participate in the work of professional and technical assistants in the development of plans and specifications
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with DNR staff, management personnel, and other state and federal agencies
Develop and foster teamwork
Critical Job Competencies
Accountability: Demonstrates responsibility for actions and decisions.
Integrity: Upholds high ethical standards.
Productivity: Maintains high performance levels.
Communication Skills: Effectively conveys ideas and information.
Team Player: Collaborates effectively with diverse groups.
Interpersonal Skills: Builds and maintains positive relationships.
Self-Management: Organizes and prioritizes tasks efficiently.
Customer Focus: Prioritizes the needs of stakeholders.
Computer Skills: Proficiency in database and spreadsheet software.
Leadership Skills: Guides and motivates teams to achieve objectives.
Technical Expertise: Proficient in aquatic ecology, limnology, and water quality concepts.
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 theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) 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
College or university students that are pending graduation in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural science are eligible to apply for this position.
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 theDAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/state-employment/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.
Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails frominfo@govermentjobs.com (file://iowa.gov.state.ia.us/data/DNRUsers/mforbes0/My%20Documents/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 (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment)
For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit theDNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-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.
Selectives
054Biological Sciences
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the study of living organisms. It is broadly defined into zoology and botany.
OR
449Natural Science
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the sciences collectively that are involved in the study of the physical world and its phenomena, including biology, physics, chemistry, and geology, but excluding social sciences, abstract or theoretical sciences, such as mathematics, and applied sciences.
OR
450Natural Resources
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of more than one of the following:
Ecology
Environmental planning
Soil conservation
Biological sciences
Waste water treatment
Forestry
Engineering related to natural resource areas (dams, sanitary engineers, etc.)
Outdoor recreation planning
Physical sciences
River basin planning
Geography
Wildlife management
OR
973Limnology
Six months’ experience or nine semester hours in a combination of limnology, aquatic ecology, or other water science coursework that provide the applicant with the following:
Knowledge of the chemical constituents and physical properties of freshwaters.
Understanding of the ecology of lotic and lentic ecosystems and basic familiarity with the aquatic plant and animal groups of these ecosystems.
Ability to summarize and interpret water quality data from lotic and lentic systems
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Scienceandthree years of full timeprofessionalscientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of the required full-time professional work for each 30 semester hours of the required education;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting thirty semester hours of accredited graduate level coursework in a Natural Science, history, or archeology for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the State of Iowa Executive Branch that includes twenty-four months of full-time work as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer.
For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClassDescriptions/EnvironmentalSpecialistSenior-04519.pdf)
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-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .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 (https://ipers.org/members) .
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 (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) 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 Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Science? IF YES - How many years do you have of full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks?
I have not graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Science
Less than three years of full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks
Three years or more of full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks
04
How many years do you have of a combination of post high school course work in a Natural Science AND/OR full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tanks? 30 semester hours equals on year of experience.
I do not have any of the education and/or experience
Less than seven years of the combined education and/or experience
Seven years or more of the combined education and/or experience
05
How many years do you have of a combination of GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) coursework in a Natural Science, history, or archaeology AND/OR full time professional scientific experience in an environmental program in the areas of water supply, waste water, animal feeding operations, hazardous substances, radiation, sewage treatment, solid waste, geology, history, archaeology, flood plain, air pollution, dam safety, or underground storage tank? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience, Applicants can substitute a maximum of 60 graduate semester hours (in the areas listed above) and must have at least one year of the experience.
I do not have any of the education and/or experience
Less than three years of the education and/or experience
Three years or more of the education and/or experience
06
Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classifications of Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa?
I am not a State of Iowa employee
I do not have any experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa
Less than two years of experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa
Two years or more of experience as an Environmental Specialist or Environmental Engineer for the State of Iowa
07
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Biological Sciences, the study of living organisms? It is broadly defined into zoology and botany.
Yes
No
08
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in Natural Science, the sciences collectively that are involved in the study of the physical world and its phenomena, including biology, physics, chemistry, and geology, but excluding social sciences, abstract or theoretical sciences, such as mathematics, and applied sciences?
Yes
No
09
Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or in a combination of more than one of the following:
Ecology
Environmental planning
Soil conservation
Biological sciences
Waste water treatment
Forestry
Engineering related to natural resource areas (dams, sanitary engineers, etc.)
Outdoor recreation planning
Physical sciences
River basin planning
Geography
Wildlife management?
Yes
No
10
Does your application demonstrate that you have six months' experience or nine semester hours in a combination of limnology, aquatic ecology, or other water science coursework that provide the applicant with the following:
Knowledge of the chemical constituents and physical properties of freshwaters.
Understanding of the ecology of lotic and lentic ecosystems and basic familiarity with the aquatic plant and animal groups of these ecosystems.
Ability to summarize and interpret water quality data from lotic and lentic systems?
Yes
No
11
If you answered "Yes" to #7-10 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 #7-10 above please type in "No" in the box below.
12
Essential Functions of the Position: 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? Please indicate your response.
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
Agency
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/
Apply
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