Environmental Specialist

The State of Kansas is hiring an Environmental Specialist to ensure compliance with the Kansas Residential Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act. The role involves conducting inspections, reviews, and evaluations at various sites, as well as developing training programs on lead poisoning prevention. This full-time position is located in Shawnee, KS, and offers benefits, flexible schedules, and a salary range of $25.68-$28.31 per hour.
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: September 8, 2025

Required documents uploaded by: September 8, 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 (K0221585)

Conduct reviews of licenses, applicants, or governmental agencies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations associated with the Kansas Residential Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, K.S.A. 65-1, 201 et seq. Conduct on-site reviews and inspections, and in-depth evaluations of service to ensure compliance of standards with state and federal program regulations and program guidelines. Inspections may occur at lead-based paint renovation worksites or other locations where building remodeling, repair, renovation or repainting is occurring. Prepare written reports of inspections and assists/advise on appropriate corrective action.

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

Develop and present training and education programs on lead poisoning prevention for industry, groups, agencies, and institutions. Provide technical and assistance in identification and removal of lead-based surface coatings in residential properties for homeowners who wish to safely perform renovation work on their homes. Provide instruction on safe disposal of old lead-based paint covered building materials.

Assist in the expansion of Residential Lead Hazard program efforts through collaboration with municipalities and local level home or housing related programs. Expand program partnerships within the public and private sector by meeting with industry and local government officials to detail how the program efforts impact their citizens and customers and how they can combine efforts with our program to assist in the training of workers, promote lead-safe work practices when disturbing lead in housing and to protect the surrounding environment.

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 is preferred.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Excellent Communication skills
• Knowledge of lead-based paint work practices
• Knowledge of construction practices and building codes
• Advanced analytical skills
• Strong detail and organizational skills
• Analytical work experience
• Public Speaking experience
• Work experience in a regulatory program or with the construction industry
• Post Offer Qualifications:
• Incumbent must successfully complete training for and be certified as a Lead Hazard Risk Assessor and Lead Based Paint Inspector within 12 months of hire and maintain certification for duration of employment.

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.