Environmental Specialist

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment seeks an Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Officer for the Bureau of Water in Shawnee, KS. The role involves preparing enforcement actions for NPDES compliance, drafting legal documents, analyzing compliance data, and providing guidance to staff. A Bachelor's degree in environmental science is required, with a preference for candidates with a Master's degree and relevant experience.
About the position

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is seeking an Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Officer for the Bureau of Water. This position is responsible for independently preparing and implementing enforcement actions related to NPDES compliance. The officer will develop reports to track non-compliance, draft legal documents, provide guidance to staff, analyze compliance data, and recommend corrective actions. The role requires a thorough understanding of state and federal laws regarding NPDES compliance and involves significant technical and scientific analysis.

Responsibilities
• Develop reports to track and measure non-compliance across permitted NPDES facilities within the state.
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• Draft, edit, and review contracts, letters, policies, and legal documents related to NPDES compliance.
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• Provide expertise and guidance to field and office staff on identifying and resolving NPDES compliance issues.
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• Analyze and interpret scientific compliance data and environmental reports.
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• Read, understand, and interpret State and Federal law regarding NPDES compliance.
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• Provide scientific basis for final decisions regarding compliance problems and recommend corrective actions.
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• Provide technical and scientific advice to the KDHE legal department.
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• Oversee and implement Bureau of Water enforcement orders.
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• Negotiate legal settlements and Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs).
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• Conduct complex legal work for the Bureau of Water compliance and enforcement unit.
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• Manage and develop documents supporting environmental enforcement actions.
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• Act as a scientific expert witness in hearings or court cases.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science with an emphasis in biology, chemistry, geology or a related natural science.
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• Valid Driver's License.

Nice-to-haves
• Master's degree in environmental, agricultural, chemical, biological, or natural sciences/resources.
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• Experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Word Perfect.
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• Strong proofreading and editing skills.
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• Ability to analyze federal laws and make recommendations.
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• Experience in preparing legal documents.
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• Good technical writing skills.
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• Knowledge of water pollution biology, chemistry, and bacteriology of wastewater.
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• Three years of professional experience in environmental problem resolution.

Benefits
• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, and vision coverage.
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• Sick and vacation leave.
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• Work-life balance programs including parental leave and military leave.
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• Paid state holidays.
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• Access to fitness centers in select locations.
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• Employee discounts with the STAR Program.
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• Retirement and deferred compensation programs.