Bureau Chief of Land Quality

Location: Des Moines United States

Job Description:

Bureau Chief of Land Quality

Salary

$99,964.80 - $142,355.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03439

Agency

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Opening Date

06/19/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Amie Davidson, amie.davidson@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-330-8581

To Apply

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

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

This is a non-merit position for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

To be considered, interested applicants must upload a cover letter and resume to the Attachments section of their application for this position.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the Chief of the Land Quality Bureau. The bureau is comprised of over 50 full-time employees and has an operating budget of approximately $25 million. The chief directly supervises five (5) program areas supervisors, one (1) management support position, and provides overall management direction and oversight to areas including Contaminated Sites, Underground Storage Tanks, Flood Plain Management, Dam Safety, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Pollution Prevention, and Waste Management services. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in directing environmental programs and managing staff dedicated to environmental initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Personnel Management: Ensure personnel practices, including hiring, firing, promotions, reclassifications, leaves of absence, work schedules, and performance reviews are conducted according to departmental policies. Establish and monitor staff performance plans and conduct annual performance appraisals. Hear grievances, resolve work-related problems, and enforce workplace policies
• Leadership and Culture: Serve in the capacity of a role model and demonstrate conduct exemplifying the Departments guiding principles. Promote a culture that values diversity, respect, teamwork, accountability, and ethical business practices.
• Operational Oversight: Determine the extent and level of staffing needed to provide timely services. Develop procedures and standards to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and coordination of services. Lead bureau process improvement initiatives, including stakeholder input and focus groups.
• Planning and Budgeting: Prepare the Land Quality Bureaus annual budget based on available state and federal funds. Coordinate budget preparation to ensure all positions are funded and fiscal decisions are cost-effective and sensitive to the current economic environment. Coordinate strategic planning efforts and ensure action plans align with the Departments strategic plan.
• Communication: Facilitate timely and effective communication throughout the bureaus sections to identify collaborative opportunities. Assist upper management in cultivating a network of relationships outside of the Department and participate in monthly Client Contact meetings

Essential Functions

• Provide supervision to staff and ensure bureau objectives are met.
• Communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing with constituents, legislators, Governors staff, DNR staff,
• management personnel and other state and federal agencies.
• Analyze organizational and operational problems and develop timely and economical solutions.
• Create and manage budgets in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Establish program objectives or performance goals and assess progress toward their achievement.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Communication Skills, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Customer Focus, Self-Management Skills, Leadership Skills, Budgeting, Supervisory Skills, Technical Skills (Supervision, Leadership, Budgeting)

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 tobe 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.

Land Quality Bureau Webpage Link

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.

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 and experience equal to six years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

2) Ten years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Six years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and

b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

4) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. Four years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and

b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Service Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position.

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!

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/