Environmental Jobs in Iowa
Environmental jobs in Iowa are concentrated in agricultural compliance, water quality management, and industrial site remediation, with demand ranging from field technicians to senior project managers. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City are the leading hiring hubs, home to major employers like Iowa Department of Natural Resources, MidAmerican Energy, and Arcadis, all of which maintain active environmental teams. Soil and water conservation, environmental compliance, and hazardous waste management are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 48+ Environmental jobs
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous decisions and improvements to the College Learning Environment.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Successful candidate will assist with Federal, State, and local regulatory compliance by helping with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives and risk reduction for Kirkwood’s main and outlying campuses. Position is a combination of hands-on tasks and in-office computer work.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence
- Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions
- Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment
- Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success
- Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve Kirkwood’s EHS efforts by being familiar with and following compliance regulations (including but not limited to waste, air emissions, inspections, and Hazard Communication).
- Work with internal stakeholders and external partners to assist with compliance efforts.
- Maintain accurate records related to waste inventories, safety inspections, air emissions, safety data sheets (SDSs), and other record retention requirements.
- Pick up/handle chemical wastes, hazardous materials, and respond to chemical spills.
- Assist with organization and labeling of a variety of waste streams for lab packs and other waste disposals.
- Compile and collect data for EHS compliance requirements.
- Conduct inventories of hazardous wastes, hazardous materials, and safety assets (fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, AEDs, etc.)
- Conduct inspections of safety assets and areas where hazardous waste is stored.
- Assist with posting of safety signage.
- Use the CampusOptics software for compliance and risk reduction (chemical inventory, SDS compliance, inspections, safety assets).
- Perform other related work duties as assigned
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
- Be knowledgeable of and assist with Federal, State, and local EHS compliance regulations for a variety of programs (industrial tech, chemistry lab, art & theatre, etc.)
- Requires organizational skills, good communication skills, and attention to detail
- Work with multiple data sets ranging from small to large while maintaining quality and accuracy of data
- Work and communicate effectively with individuals across a diverse workforce
- Spill response
- Become HAZWOPER and DOT certified within 6 months of hire
- Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves a combination of working in an office setting and light to medium work. Position involves exerting up to 10-50 pounds of force occasionally (10-33%). Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. Position may require the use of various respiratory protection devices, incumbent will be required to obtain a medical clearance and subsequent fit test for respiratory protection. Incumbent must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, industrial hygiene, or related field; or education/experience combination equivalent
- Understanding of chemical safety
- Ability to understand and apply Federal, State, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations
- Good interpersonal relationships and communication skills
- Proficiency in various Office software including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and ability to learn other software programs
- Experience in data entry and data compilation
- Valid Driver License with a good driving record and ability to be covered through the College’s insurance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS
- Experience working in higher education or working across multi-site organizations
- Working knowledge of hazardous wastes, air pollutants, and other hazardous materials
- Experience in handling hazardous materials and wastes
- Experience conducting safety asset inspections
- Familiarity with EPA, DOT, and OSHA regulations
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572, equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov
WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous decisions and improvements to the College Learning Environment.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Successful candidate will assist with Federal, State, and local regulatory compliance by helping with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives and risk reduction for Kirkwood’s main and outlying campuses. Position is a combination of hands-on tasks and in-office computer work.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence
- Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions
- Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment
- Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success
- Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve Kirkwood’s EHS efforts by being familiar with and following compliance regulations (including but not limited to waste, air emissions, inspections, and Hazard Communication).
- Work with internal stakeholders and external partners to assist with compliance efforts.
- Maintain accurate records related to waste inventories, safety inspections, air emissions, safety data sheets (SDSs), and other record retention requirements.
- Pick up/handle chemical wastes, hazardous materials, and respond to chemical spills.
- Assist with organization and labeling of a variety of waste streams for lab packs and other waste disposals.
- Compile and collect data for EHS compliance requirements.
- Conduct inventories of hazardous wastes, hazardous materials, and safety assets (fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, AEDs, etc.)
- Conduct inspections of safety assets and areas where hazardous waste is stored.
- Assist with posting of safety signage.
- Use the CampusOptics software for compliance and risk reduction (chemical inventory, SDS compliance, inspections, safety assets).
- Perform other related work duties as assigned
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
- Be knowledgeable of and assist with Federal, State, and local EHS compliance regulations for a variety of programs (industrial tech, chemistry lab, art & theatre, etc.)
- Requires organizational skills, good communication skills, and attention to detail
- Work with multiple data sets ranging from small to large while maintaining quality and accuracy of data
- Work and communicate effectively with individuals across a diverse workforce
- Spill response
- Become HAZWOPER and DOT certified within 6 months of hire
- Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves a combination of working in an office setting and light to medium work. Position involves exerting up to 10-50 pounds of force occasionally (10-33%). Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. Position may require the use of various respiratory protection devices, incumbent will be required to obtain a medical clearance and subsequent fit test for respiratory protection. Incumbent must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, industrial hygiene, or related field; or education/experience combination equivalent
- Understanding of chemical safety
- Ability to understand and apply Federal, State, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations
- Good interpersonal relationships and communication skills
- Proficiency in various Office software including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and ability to learn other software programs
- Experience in data entry and data compilation
- Valid Driver License with a good driving record and ability to be covered through the College’s insurance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS
- Experience working in higher education or working across multi-site organizations
- Working knowledge of hazardous wastes, air pollutants, and other hazardous materials
- Experience in handling hazardous materials and wastes
- Experience conducting safety asset inspections
- Familiarity with EPA, DOT, and OSHA regulations
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572, equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov
WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
See All 48 Environmental Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental JobsEnvironmental Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental jobs across Iowa.
- Iowa DNR registration or equivalent state-recognized environmental certification preferred by most employers
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, geology, or a closely related field required
- Experience with Iowa environmental regulations and EPA compliance frameworks expected
- Proficiency in GIS software and environmental data collection tools commonly listed
- Strong written reporting skills for regulatory submissions and agency correspondence required
- Valid driver's license for field site access across rural and industrial Iowa locations
Environmental Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental in Iowa?
Most environmental roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resources, geology, or a related field. Professionals working in specific areas such as geology or engineering may need licensure through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board. Many employers also expect familiarity with Iowa DNR permitting processes. Entry-level candidates typically strengthen their candidacy by completing internships with state agencies or environmental consulting firms based in Iowa.
Which companies hire environmentals in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring environmentals in Iowa include Accura HealthCare, MercyOne, and UnityPoint Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's agricultural economy and industrial manufacturing base generate steady demand for environmental compliance and remediation professionals at both private firms and state agencies.
Which Iowa cities have the most environmental jobs?
Des Moines, Waterloo, and Coralville have the most environmental job openings in Iowa. Des Moines leads due to its concentration of state government agencies, energy companies, and consulting firms, while Cedar Rapids and Iowa City draw openings through manufacturing operations, university research programs, and regional DNR offices that anchor hiring in those corridors.
Are there remote environmental jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. About 20% of environmental openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves field sampling, site inspections, and hands-on compliance monitoring. The roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are data analysis, environmental report writing, and regulatory review positions that do not require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a environmental in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to seasonal or technician roles with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which regularly brings on entry-level field staff for water quality monitoring and conservation programs. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa both run research assistant and internship pipelines that funnel candidates into state and consulting roles. Lateral moves from biology technician, lab analyst, or GIS assistant positions are common, and earning a soil scientist certification through the Soil Science Society of America strengthens any entry-level application in Iowa's agriculture-heavy market.
Where can I find and apply to environmental jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to environmental jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 48 Environmental Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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