Environmental Specialist

The State of Kansas is seeking a full-time Environmental Specialist for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in Topeka. The role involves evaluating scientific data related to public water supply systems, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and communicating findings to various stakeholders. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field and a valid driver's license. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, paid leave, and retirement programs.
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: April 6, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: April 6, 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.

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

Compensation:
• Hourly Pay Range: $26.30 - $27.63
• 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 (K0232035)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Environmental Specialist opening in Topeka. This position evaluates, compiles and interprets scientific data and monitoring results for public water supply systems in order to identify and substantiate noncompliance trends. Develops recommendations and proposals necessary to bring public water supply systems into compliance via the appropriate enforcement path to help mitigate the health and environmental impacts of pollution, diseases, erosion, sedimentation etc. Effectively communicates complex technical environmental information and rules and regulations to the general public, councils, consulting agencies, operators or internal audiences, through briefings written documents, workshops, conferences and training sessions.

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

Prepares specific compliance schedules for non-compliant public water supply systems in relation to both enforcement and sanitary surveys. Prepares and assembles documents necessary to support compliance assistance to non-compliant public water supply systems.

Serve as a point of contact (liaison) between the Bureau of Water, Public Water Supply Section and the Bureau of Environmental Field Services (BEFS). Provides technical support for completion of sanitary surveys conducted by KDHE District staff in BEFS using the SWIFT Surveys reporting tool. Participates with district staff and water systems as a member of the AWOP team.

Qualifications
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology or a related natural science.
• 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.
• Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology or a related natural science.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, geology, hydrogeology, or water chemistry.
• Knowledge of natural science related to environmental or natural resource control and management.
• Knowledge of basic business and administrative management methods and practices.
• Knowledge of methods, procedures, and purposes of investigation analysis.
• Technical writing.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

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.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

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.