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Senior Environmental Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

GHD Group

Senior Environmental Scientist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

Our Central Environmental business is looking for a Senior Environmental Scientist to join their team, based out of Des Moines, IA. This role is responsible for supporting a wide range of ...

GHD

Senior Environmental Scientist

Des Moines, IA

$81K - $109K/yr

Our Central Environmental business is looking for a Senior Environmental Scientist to join their team, based out of Des Moines, IA. This role is responsible for supporting a wide range of ...

Bhegts

Lead Environmental Auditor

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Promptly advises senior management of findings of noncompliance. Summarizes and reports all audit ... Maintains a working knowledge of environmental regulations for all media. Maintains a specialized ...

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Senior Environmental information

What does a senior environmental specialist do?

A Senior Environmental Specialist is responsible for overseeing and managing environmental programs and compliance within an organization or project. Their duties often include conducting environmental impact assessments, ensuring adherence to environmental regulations, and developing strategies to minimize ecological risks. They may also provide guidance to junior staff and collaborate with regulatory agencies to ensure environmental standards are met. This role typically requires advanced knowledge in environmental science, policy, and regulatory frameworks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior environmental specialist?

To thrive as a Senior Environmental Specialist, you generally need a degree in environmental science or a related field, along with extensive experience in environmental regulations, assessments, and project management. Proficiency in using environmental modeling software, GIS tools, and knowledge of regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, leadership, and communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and guide teams effectively. These competencies are crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance, driving sustainability initiatives, and successfully managing complex environmental projects.

What are some common challenges faced by senior environmental professionals in balancing regulatory compliance with project goals?

Senior Environmental professionals often face the challenge of ensuring that projects align with both environmental regulations and organizational objectives. Navigating complex and evolving environmental laws while supporting project timelines and budgets requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, project managers, and regulatory agencies—is essential to integrate compliance requirements without compromising project outcomes. Staying current with regulatory updates and proactively addressing potential environmental risks can help mitigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Senior Environmental and Senior Environmental Technician?

AspectSenior EnvironmentalSenior Environmental Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field; often requires certifications like PE or PGAssociate's or Bachelor's in Environmental Technology or related field; certifications like HAZWOPER or OSHA may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice-based planning, project management, and oversight; site visits and environmental assessmentsFieldwork-focused; sampling, monitoring, and data collection at sites
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, industrial companiesEnvironmental service companies, government agencies, industrial sites

Senior Environmental roles typically involve project management, planning, and oversight with a focus on environmental compliance and strategy. Senior Environmental Technicians primarily conduct field sampling, monitoring, and data collection. Both roles are essential in environmental projects but differ mainly in responsibilities and work settings.

What does a senior environmental consultant do?

A senior environmental consultant assesses environmental issues, develops strategies for compliance with regulations, and provides recommendations for sustainable practices. They often conduct site inspections, prepare reports, and use tools like GIS and environmental modeling. This role typically requires relevant certifications and strong analytical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Environmental jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Environmental jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Environmental job openings:

Senior Environmental jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Environmental job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Senior Environmental Scientist

GHD Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description


There's no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we're committed to helping you do exactly that.
Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.
Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.
Who are we looking for?
Our Central Environmental business is looking for a Senior Environmental Scientist to join their team, based out of Des Moines, IA.
This role is responsible for supporting a wide range of environmental consulting activities, including collecting and analyzing data to identify key trends, coordinating environmental impact assessments, and overseeing environmental risk management efforts. You'll monitor HSE performance, support compliance improvements, and contribute to climate adaptation strategies across diverse projects. The position also involves managing client relationships, preparing reports and proposals, documenting process improvements, and delivering small- to medium-scale projects. Ongoing professional development, knowledge-sharing within communities of practice, and staying current with industry standards are essential to success in this role.
Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Conduct research using primary data sources, and select information needed for the analysis of key themes and trends.
  • Health, Safety, and Environment: Monitor and review performance against health, safety, and environment (HSE) key performance indicators (KPIs) and patterns of behavior within the area of responsibility. Take action to improve performance and to resolve noncompliance with the organization's HSE policies, procedures, and mandatory instructions.
  • Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an in-depth understanding of technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
  • Client & Customer Management (External): Manage important client relationships with guidance from senior colleagues, or oversee relationship management with a group of more transactional clients and customers.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment: Coordinate and deliver environmental impact assessment projects, maintaining accuracy and adherence to project timelines.
  • Solutions Analysis: Analyze specific problems and issues to find the best solutions. Solutions could be technical or professional in nature.
  • Project Management: Deliver small- or medium-scale projects while working within an established program management plan.
  • Insights and Reporting: Prepare and coordinate the completion of various data and analytics reports.
  • Analysis of "As Is" and "To Be": Document "as is" and "to be" processes and describe the changes required to migrate to the "to be" capability to record accurately the change required.
  • Environmental Risk Management: Oversee the environmental risk management processes, ensuring the organization's operations have minimal detrimental impact on the environment.
  • Request for Bid Solicitation/Proposal/Tender Response: Gather information and resources, draft and complete proposals, and fulfill all process requirements (in terms of deadlines, documentation, etc.) in response to bid solicitations, request for proposal, and request for tender to create the best chance of being awarded the contract.
  • Climate Adaptation Strategy: Lead the development and execution of climate adaptation strategies for multiple large-scale projects or geographic locations, focusing on sustainability and resilience.
  • Community of Practice Management: Participate in and contribute to a community of practice in a defined area of expertise or consulting to build own capability and develop innovative practice among colleagues.

Education
  • Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or related field
  • PE or PG will be highly regarded

Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in environmental consulting including environmental permitting & compliance, remediation & design, site assessments, report writing, data management & interpretation, project coordination, and managing clients
  • Experience in coordinating and simultaneously managing multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail in a consulting environment is preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work both within a team and independently
  • Ability work in a fast-paced environment
  • OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification a plus
  • Ability and willingness to travel client meetings is required

#LI-JS1
As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

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