Environmental Specialist (212845)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Environmental Specialist opening in Topeka. This position will manage Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) sites as assigned by the Unit Manager. Acts as a project manager on environmentally contaminated sites and other assigned projects where ongoing investigation and cleanup are occurring;  evaluates investigative, monitoring, and general remedial progress to ensure projects are completed within timeframes established by State law and budgets (where applicable); effectively interact with project stakeholders and the public to facilitate timely site investigations and cleanups and disseminate information to the community; communicate all aspects of project management through appropriate chain of command to provide information and/or briefings to management as requested;  represent the agency/bureau/section/program at public meetings, technical meetings, and/or workshops to present data, documents, findings to the public, regulatory community, or industry.

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

Provide thorough and quality reviews of projects specific technical documents within program guidelines, which includes within 30 to 60 business days of receipt. Reviews completed within a specific code of policies, procedures, and program quality management plan to ensure that work satisfies relevant statutes, regulations, and program guidance. Reviews will be documented through written correspondence with entities conducting such investigations and/or remediation. Various types of communication including written (letter and email) and oral (telecommunication and face-to-face) are expected during document reviews. Projects assigned to this position will be more complex in nature. Geologic interpretation must be overseen by a licensed professional geologist.

Provide field oversight and regulatory management to assure that work set out in Agreements and Orders complies with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations; review, evaluate, develop and/or design environmental investigations or other associated documents and correspondence; provide oversight during field activities; perform quality assurance/quality control sampling; understands and follows the Quality Management Plan and annually reviews such documents. Employee expected to develop investigative work plans, field sampling plans, safety plans and other associated documents as assigned by Unit Chief. Implements field work in a manner that is safe and consistent with appropriate agency policies and guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, environmental science or related field.
• Experience in project management of environmental assessment and remediation projects.
• Experience in preparing and/or reviewing soil and groundwater assessment and remediation reports.
• Experience in collection and interpretation of air samples for laboratory analysis.
• Geology classes or experience.
• Knowledge of volatile organic compounds, metals, and inorganic contamination.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:

• Within 6 months of hire, must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.

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

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

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

Job Application Process:  Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• 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.”

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ 25.05 to 25.68