Environmental Associate

The State of Kansas is hiring an Environmental Associate for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in Shawnee, KS. This full-time role involves supporting environmental projects, operating equipment, collecting samples, and conducting field audits. The position requires strong mechanical skills and a commitment to environmental protection. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and work-life balance programs. The job is not remote and requires in-person work.
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: May 29, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: May 29, 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: $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 (K0233717)

KS Dept. of Health & Environment is seeking an Environmental Associate to provide field support for environmental projects in the Site Assessment Program. The candidate should have strong mechanical aptitude for operation and maintenance of hydraulic equipment and an interest in protecting the resources of KS. The Environmental Associate position is responsible for operation and maintenance of Geoprobe/drill rig and equipment, collection of soil, groundwater, surface water, and air samples in accordance with Bureau SOPs, conducts field audits in accordance to Bureau SOPs, QA/QC documents, and policies, prepares purchase orders for field supplies, and maintains and schedules vehicle fleet maintenance for Bureau.

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

Provide technical support for field investigations including the preparation of supplies, equipment, and vehicles for mobilization; operation of vehicles and equipment; disposal of waste; and decontamination of sampling equipment. Operate or assist in operation of KDHE’s Geoprobe direct-push sampling units, and other technical sampling equipment. Collects groundwater, surface water, soil, and waste samples with proper chain-of-custody and transports samples to the laboratory as specified. Reviews, understands, and follows all site specific workplans, QAPPs, field sampling plans, and health and safety plans and adheres to the QMP, SOPs, and other bureau, section, and program guidance.

Maintain section vehicles including the interior and exterior cleaning of vehicles on a regular basis. Follows up on reports of mechanical issues, works with the supervisor and administrative staff to coordinate and schedule vehicle maintenance. Shuttles vehicles to and from the shop for repairs and maintains vehicle maintenance records.

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:
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Operation of drilling & probing equip. in addition to using field sampling and monitoring equip
• Mechanical aptitude for operation/maintenance of hydraulic equipment (Geoprobe/drill rig)
• Knowledge of field soil/groundwater sampling
• Ability to review and interpret technical data, and good communication skills
• Experience compiling data into tables and figures
• Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
• Within six months of hire, incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear. Must obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER certification within three months of hire.

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.