Environmental Specialist Supervisor — HAB & Water Quality

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking an Environmental Specialist Supervisor for the HAB & Water Quality division. This full-time position involves supervising staff in field sampling and data analysis related to harmful algal blooms. The role requires planning and oversight of program operations while ensuring compliance with quality control standards. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and work-life balance programs. The job is based in Kansas City, KS.
Job Posting

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: March 30, 2026

Required documents uploaded by: March 30, 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: Agency Only
• 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: ($29.73-$32.78)
• 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 (K0237661)

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Monitoring, Assessment, and Science Section, part of the Bureau of Water, is looking for an Environmental Specialist Supervisor to serve as the Assessment and Science Unit Chief. This unit oversees the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Response and Mitigation Program. This position supervises staff who conduct field sampling, algal and macroinvertebrate taxonomy, geographical information and statistical data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Response and Mitigation Program. Directs data collection and analysis, program databases, planning, and program functions in accordance with established quality control requirements, standard operating procedures and Kansas personnel and travel policies. Primary responsibilities include program operation planning and oversight, maintaining and updating program policy and standard operating procedures, participation in field sampling and laboratory analytical activities (as needed), and training of staff assigned to monitoring program part or full-time. Direct analytical and technical support for HAB events and perform database management for Section activities and information. Coordinates program functions with the Bureau of Environmental Field Services, the Division of Public Health, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, lake managers and stakeholders, as well as Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories, which include contract laboratories for HAB response analytical services and initiatives. Advises Section and Bureau of HAB program initiatives, HAB mitigation strategies, and national trends and research. Interprets and presents KDHE data to other agencies and legislators.

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

Development and data support for Integrated Report. Directs the preparation of the Integrated Report and interprets varied datasets to determine cause-and-effect relations that affect water quality on a water body and watershed scale. Assist in performing data and GIS analysis in support of the development of the biennial Integrated Report melding 305(b) assessments with 303(d) listings. Coordinates 303(d) results with those found through the 305b analysis. Collaborates and coordinates with the Policy, Planning and Standards Unit on the methodology for the evaluation and development of the section 303(d) list of impaired water bodies for Kansas. Assists with data management and uploads for the EPA ATTAINS system.

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
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Education in office management
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Good oral and written communications skills
• Geographic Information Systems
• Statistical analysis and software
• Oracle database programs
• Federal data exchange programs and databases
• Experience working with program management of water quality monitoring programs
• Knowledge of; Harmful Algal Blooms; hydrology
• Experience working with databases, statistical, GIS, and computer software
• Previous supervisory experience
• Knowledge of principles of watershed management
• Statistical analysis of environmental data, biological indicators of water quality, and state
• Environmental Studies, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Aquatic Ecology, Hydrology, Geology
• Environmental or Natural Sciences, Biological Science, Aquatic Ecology, Hydrology, Limnology, Chemistry
• Minimum Qualifications:
• Four year's experience in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology or related natural science, and one year of experience in an environmental program/project area.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
• 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 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.