Environmental Specialist

The State of Kansas is hiring an Environmental Specialist to manage the NPDES wastewater component of the Kansas Operator Certification Program. Responsibilities include coordinating with compliance staff, maintaining certification databases, and evaluating operator compliance with regulations. This full-time position offers a flexible Monday-Friday schedule and benefits, with a salary range of $25.68-$28.31 per hour. The job is located in Shawnee, KS, and is not remote.
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: June 18, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: June 18, 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: $25.68-$28.31
• 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 (K0242076)

This position will manage the NPDES wastewater component of the Kansas Operator Certification Program. Coordinate with Water Permitting & Compliance Section and BOW staff to ensure that certified operators are under the supervision of properly certified personnel as per state statute and regulation. Assist with maintaining the certified operator database to track certification and continuing education requirements of certified operators. Determine compliance with permit’s operator certification requirements and make recommendations regarding enforcement actions. Determine operator compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations and make recommendations regarding revocation of certification.

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

Administer the three wastewater technical assistance contracts, track referred facilities and evaluate assistance progress. Write contracts for wastewater technical assistance and follow the contract process through to signing and issuance. Work with contracted technical assistance providers to coordinate training efforts, including review and approval of training curriculum. Develop and deliver training related to wastewater system management and operations Annual Wastewater Operator School by developing an agenda, acquiring instructors, and evaluating the quality of instruction. Work with KDHE staff and 3rd party providers to coordinate and produce an annual training calendar and ensure distribution of the calendar to all wastewater certified operators.

Perform technical duties as assigned to support Unit Chief and other staff engineers with the agency's implementation of the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) program. Duties include, but are not limited to, the development of environmental review documents associated with CWSRF loan projects and assistance with completion of the Clean Watershed Needs Survey as required by EPA.

Qualifications
• Education:
• Bachelors 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 in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology or a related natural science.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of the NPDES program
• Knowledge of the Clean Water Act
• Knowledge of Kansas water quality programs
• Knowledge of wastewater lagoon systems
• Knowledge of mechanical wastewater treatment facilities
• Knowledge of wastewater mechanical facilities
• Knowledge of the biological treatment of wastewater facilities
• Knowledge of collection systems

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.