Environmental Scientist

The State of Kansas is hiring an Environmental Scientist in Finney County to conduct water right inspections, collect data, and prepare reports. The role involves using technical equipment and GIS software to assist water users and ensure regulatory compliance. This full-time position offers a salary of $55,000 per year, benefits, and requires interaction with various stakeholders. The job is based in the Garden City Field Office.
Environmental Scientist

Job ID222782

Location

Finney County

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

AgencyKansas Dept of Agriculture

Job Posting

Agency Information: Kansas Department of Agriculture

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. The agency has a balanced approach to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and Kansas economy while promoting and advocating for the agriculture industry, the state's largest industry, employer, and economic contributor. KDA helps to ensure a safe food supply, protects natural resources, promotes public health and safety, protects animal health, and provides consumer protection to the best of our ability.

Kansas Department of Agriculture: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

About the Position:

Who can apply: Anyone

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full/Part-time: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Days (8am to 5pm)

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veteran Preference Eligible: Yes

Disability Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation:

Annual Salary: $55,000 per year

Hourly Pay: $26.44 per hour

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:

This position will remain posted until filled.

Location: Garden City Field Office - Finney County

See more information about Garden City, Kansas:

There are two (2) Environmental Scientist openings in this location. Program will be interviewing and hiring for both open positions!

Job Summary:

Work with a diverse team of technical staff in our field offices and headquarters.

Conduct water right inspections in the field to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and collect data used to certify water rights.

Prepare reports, maps, and drawings used to assist in decision making by DWR Water Commissioners and the Chief Engineer.

Use technical equipment such as global positioning system devices, ultrasonic water flowmeters, and stream gaging equipment.

Assist in the administration and distribution of surface water and groundwater in western Kansas,.

Assist water users and the public with filing water use data, completing application forms, maps, plats, and other associated documents.

Communicate directly with water users, government officials, heads of industries or corporations, public water supply systems and the public regarding water rights and regulatory requirements.

Utilize GIS computer software to prepare maps and analyze data.

Conduct water level measurements in wells to monitor and evaluate the status of the groundwater resource.

Research historical documents to determine water right development.

Prepare notices and orders to ensure water right compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Professionally minded individuals with four years experience in environmental science, physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics and/or engineering. Candidates may also qualify through a combination of relevant education, work experience, training or certification.

Capable of performing outdoor assignments for long hours in extreme temperatures during the year.

This position requires the physical dexterity that permits standing, kneeling, bending, and stretching, and climbing up and down steps and ladders, lifting objects and traversing slippery/uneven surfaces.

This position would require the candidate to lift and/or carry 35 pounds of equipment.

This position at times would require driving a vehicle for long periods of time which may result in overnight travel.

This position must perform routine office tasks such as sitting, reading, examining documents, and viewing a computer for long periods of time.

Good oral and written communication skills are essential.

Employee must have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver's license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

Knowledge of the Kansas Water Appropriation Act and water rights preferred.

Courses or work experience in hydraulics, hydrology, geology, natural resource management, agricultural, or earth science preferred.

Post-Offer/Pre-employment Requirements:

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's (KDOR) website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx .

If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov

Recruiter Contact Information:

Name: Alyssa Satterthwaite

Email: Kelsey.Senn@ks.gov

Phone: (785) 564-6712

Fax: (785) 564-6777

Mailing Address: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete:

On the My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and replace if needed.

DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran's Preference)

Inside your Job Application, upload these documents:

Resume (or choose existing resume if you have one)

Cover Letter