Environmental Specialist

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is hiring an Environmental Specialist responsible for geospatial and data support in surface water monitoring. The role involves maintaining the Kansas Surface Water Register, providing technical support for monitoring programs, and requires experience in ArcGIS, database management, and data analysis. This is a full-time position based in Kansas, with a work schedule of Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm.
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy


Job Posting closes: August 10, 2026


Required documents uploaded by: August 10, 2026





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.


http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/





About the Position



Who can apply: External (Open to Anyone)
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:



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:


Position (K0233511)


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


Geospatial and Data Support Specialist for Surface Water Monitoring Unit.


Seeking candidate with experience in ArcGIS, database management, and data analysis. Familiarity with programming is a plus, as is experience working with surface water quality data. The incumbent will have three primary responsibilities. First, she/he will maintain and update the Kansas Surface Water Register and its map, working closely with KDHE programs and external partners to ensure data consistency, quality, and currency. Second, s/he will provide technical support for monitoring programs in service to the Clean Water Act. This includes review and analysis of chemical and biological databases, water quality assessment, geospatial analysis, and production of maps and statistical analyses. Third, the incumbent will support the Harmful Algal Bloom response program, assisting with complaint tracking and mapping, workflow management, and outreach and coordination. The incumbent may also participate in field work and special projects, as needs arise; travel of 2-3 days per month is anticipated.


GIS Support and Data Management: Serve as geospatial data manager for the section. Provide technical support to colleagues and maintain geospatial context for Clean Water Act mandated water quality assessments and associated efforts. Partner with unit chief to coordinate data management, QA/QC, and software for the section to ensure accurate assessment and reporting. Develop code and customize tools to improve data management and analysis. Assist in updating national water quality databases (WQX and ATTAINS) and the National Hydrography database. Serve as liaison to KDHE IT department for Intranet Web Mapping applications and the public HAB web page as well as the state geospatial data repository (DASC). This work may require the use of multiple software programs and conversions among file formats.


Kansas Surface Water Register (KSWR) and Use Attainability Assessment (UAA): Update and maintain the KSWR list of classified waters of the state; maintain and develop accurate GIS coverages, coordinating with municipal, state, and federal partners as needed to research and correct errors in the National Map. Work closely with the Use Attainability Assessment (UAA) program and unit chief to ensure accuracy of KSWR designated uses and assist in maintaining UAA database. Maintain coverage of watersheds underlying classified and unclassified stream segments, lakes, wetlands, and associated data. Coordinate with the Planning and Standards Unit to ensure that WQS/KSWR updates and submittals are streamlined for triennial review.





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:

Four years of environmental science with an emphasis on geography, hydrology, biology, chemistry, geology or related natural science


Preferred Qualifications:



Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes
Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
Four years of Environmental, Natural Sciences/resources, Statistics, Hydrology, Biological sciences, Geographical
Six years in Environmental or Natural Sciences such as Geography, Hydrology, Chemistry, or Biology
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
Statistical analysis and software development experience, preferably in R coding environment
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, cartography, and scripting
Good oral and written communication skills
Federal data exchange programs and databases
Knowledge of Harmful Algal Blooms; Hydrology
Experience working with enterprise level databases
Experience applying scientific principles and practices of water quality monitoring and assessment
Knowledge or course work in chemistry, aquatic biology, water resources, hydrology, statistics

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a state job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have a missing tax return(s) or owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions





Recruiter Contact Information


Name: Tracey N. Benson


Email: Tracey.N.Benson@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 in all your job applications.
Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included in 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 determined 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 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.