Environmental Associate

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is hiring an Environmental Associate in Shawnee, KS. This full-time, entry-level position involves processing underground storage tank applications and providing technical assistance on compliance issues. Employees can work remotely for up to two days per week after six months. The role offers benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans, with a pay range of $20.13 - $22.16 per hour.
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: March 24, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: March 24, 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: $20.13 - $22.16
• 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 (K0234510)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Storage Tank Section is seeking a friendly and positive-minded candidate to fill our Environmental Associate position in Topeka, KS. This position is an entry-level position that would be perfectly suited for someone looking to start their career in the environmental field, as well as a more experienced candidate looking for a career change. This position works a 40-hour work week Monday through Friday but would be eligible to work from home for up to two days per week after the first six months of employment.

KDHE provides employees with a friendly work environment and opportunities to grow their career in the environmental field. KDHE also provides State benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as retirement accounts.

This position acts as the lead worker for processing underground storage tank (UST) contractor license applications and A/B operator certifications. In addition, this position assists with the processing of compliance testing submitted by licensed contractors. This position also assists KDHE compliance managers with UST permitting for UST facilities within their permitting group. This position communicates daily with the regulated community to assist them with tank compliance and permitting issues. Multiple training opportunities are available to fortify the applicant's technical abilities.

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

Provides consultation and technical assistance in person, by telephone, or through mail on underground storage tank issues to regulated tank owners, district office personnel, personnel from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the general public to interpret regulatory requirements. Resolves common operational problems as necessary to facilitate compliance with environmental regulations. Provides consultation and technical assistance over the phone and through site and office visits with licensed UST contractors. Secures evidence of noncompliance with KDHE and Federal regulations while assisting with the work of the Storage Tank Program staff who track registration of regulated storage tanks and UST regulation compliance data, and the Storage Tank Section staff who determine UST regulation compliance for the Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund program. Reviews evidence and recommends action be taken where compliance with storage tank regulations has not occurred. Speaks to public and professional groups concerning storage tank issues. Acts as the main processor of A/B operator certification documents.

This position is the main administrator for the UST Licensed Contractor Testing program. The person in this position will conduct initial testing for individual(s) requesting to become a licensed contractor in Kansas for installation, testing, and/or removals of UST systems. Administer, evaluate, and grade written test(s) submitted by contractor(s) for their license renewal(s) or new license requirements. Reviews testing material for periodic updates according to federal and state regulation along with recommended practices from industry standards. Incorporate updates into new testing material along with preparing any new test for new requirements mandated by changes in state statues or regulations.

Qualifications
• Education:
• High School, GED
• 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:
• Two years of relevant technical experience in an environmental field and/or program. Education may be substituted by the agency as necessary.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in environmental, agricultural or natural sciences/resources.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Lotus Notes, Oracle
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Writing
• Public speaking
• Database experience
• Experience in working with state or federal UST regulations, along with experience with UST and AST
• Post Offer Qualifications:
• Within the first year of employment, the incumbent must pass a physical exam that certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.

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' prefePublic speakingrence 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.