Environmental Assoicate

The State of Kansas is hiring an Environmental Associate in the Bureau of Air, Permitting Unit. This full-time position involves reviewing permit applications for compliance with air quality regulations. Candidates should have a B.S. in engineering and an interest in environmental work. The job offers training and benefits, including medical coverage and retirement programs. The position requires working on-site in Kansas, with a flexible Monday-Friday schedule.
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: May 25, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: May 25, 2025

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9. KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position.

E-Verify: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.

About the Position
• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
• Sponsorship: KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position.

Compensation:
• Hourly Pay Range:
• Engineering Trainee - $32.00 per hour
• Engineering Associate - $35.25 per hour
• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The position (K0230054) The Bureau of Air, Permitting Unit, is seeking a candidate for an Engineering Associate or Engineering Trainee position. Responsibilities include review of construction and operating permit applications, source information, air emission calculations, and other documents provided by permit applicants for compliance with the Clean Air Act federal regulations and Kansas Air Quality Regulations.

A successful candidate will have a B.S. in engineering and have an interest in working in the environmental field. The engineering associate positions will require an Engineer in Training or Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions. The engineering trainee will be working on getting his/her Engineer in Training or Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate. Candidates need not be familiar with air quality regulations to apply. Training with experienced professionals will be provided. In addition to on-the-job training, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment offers a positive work environment with flexible work hours, competitive benefits, a team environment, and work life balance. The typical work week is 40 hours.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Reviews applications from assigned facilities which range from simple to complex of the following: approvals, permits, renewals and modifications, including Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits. The review may include PSD permit application modeling reports, policy documents, agreements, technical summaries, and other required documents to address special topics such as best available control technology (BACT) analysis and nonattainment. Upon completion of this review a draft permit is developed for an internal concurrence process. Applications are reviewed independently to ensure all necessary detailed information is provided. Contacts with applicants for clarification of submitted information to request additional information, check source information, and emission calculations provided by permit applicants. Checks to see all appropriate regulations, and the information submitted qualifies for the class of permit requested. Approvals are reviewed and approved by the supervisor. Permits receive a quality control review by a senior engineer and permits are approved by supervisor and Section Chief. All reviews occur at the time a draft permit has been submitted for concurrence review.

Independently develops approvals and permits which range from simple to complex Class I and Class II Operating permits and Construction permits. Permits are developed ensuring adherence to all federal and State regulations and Bureau of Air policies and procedures and may require detailed descriptions of applicable requirements. Once a draft permit has completed the internal concurrence process, the permit is issued to the applicant. Approvals are reviewed by the supervisor; most routine permits are reviewed by a senior engineer for quality control; and complex permits are reviewed by supervisor and Section Chief.

Qualifications
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Licensing & Certification:
• Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.
• Engineering Trainee Position
• Working towards obtaining an intern engineering certification while in position
• Engineering Associate Position
• Engineer in Training or Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate recognized by the Board of Technical Professions.
• Minimum Qualifications:
• Engineering Trainee Position
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Engineering Associate Position
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Ability to organize scientific data, draw logical conclusions
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relating to air quality
• Knowledge of chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of pollutants
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Ariana Paige

Email: Ariana.Paige@ks.gov

Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process
• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
• Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
• Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
• Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

Transcripts

DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.