Environmental Specialist

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking an Environmental Specialist to review and approve Nutrient Management Plans, assist CAFO operators with compliance, and analyze test results for nutrient management. The full-time position offers flexible scheduling, benefits, and a salary range of $25.68-$28.31 per hour. The role involves collaboration with various departments and requires technical assistance related to environmental regulations.
Job Posting

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes:April 2, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: April 2, 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: $25.68-$28.31
• Salary can range 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 (K0232037)

Review and approve Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) prior to implementation by the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO).Assist CAFO operators with understanding what is required to comply with the regulations pertaining to nutrient management in order to minimize the potential for water pollution.Compile, analyze and interpret chemical and biological test results to identify and substantiate specific problems or undesirable trends in regard to nutrient management, and develop recommendations for corrective action.Provide technical assistance regarding the agronomic use of wastes, the interpretation of regulatory requirements and mitigation of adverse soil nutrient levels.Respond to inquiries and complaints regarding spillage of animal waste and provide consultation of cleanup procedures, containment and disposal.

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

Assist in the development and oversight of a system for prioritization of permit renewals for Confined Feeding Facilities (CFFs) and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in the State.Process permits renewals for existing CFFs and CAFOs located within the State.Assist in the permitting process by drafting permits, reviewing and approving Waste Management Plans for CFFs, participating in public hearings, developing KDHE’s response to public comments, and preparing technical information and recommendations for KDHE administration to consider in reaching a final permitting decision.Work with the Bureau of Environmental Field Services district staff in determining the CFF’s and CAFO’s compliance and referring problem CFFs and CAFOs to the Bureau of Water enforcement staff.Work with the enforcement staff to develop reasonable and effective administrative orders and consent agreements.This task involves reviewing information on-file and determining the CFF’s and CAFO’s regulatory compliance, evaluating potential environmental risks, reviewing comment letters sent to KDHE from the public and preparing appropriate summaries, reports and responses.

Qualifications
• Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 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:
• A bachelor's degree in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology, or a related natural science.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Background in agronomy, soil chemistry
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Two or more years of experience in the application of environmental or agricultural science
• Experience in nutrient management planning

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.