BOW Intern

Internship Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking one (1) Intern to join our Internship Program in the Bureau of Water – Watershed Monitoring section located in our Topeka, KS office for the summer.

An intern opportunity to learn about the Watershed Monitoring, Assessment, and Science section in the Bureau of Water will be based at KDHE’s central office.  While learning equally between field and office responsibilities.

Field: Intern will travel with water quality field staff to collect environmental samples from water bodies across the state to evaluate stream, lake, and watershed health. This will include routine work with the Harmful Algal Blooms Response and Stream Chemistry programs, as well as opportunities to observe and assist with biological monitoring programs. Intern will be exposed to a wide variety of methods, from trip planning and instrument calibration to environmental sampling and lab analysis. Some overnight trips may be included.

Office: Intern’s office work will focus will be varied but focus primarily on two areas:

• Conversion of important historical records from paper archives into digital resources and
• Database quality assurance, database error checking, and records inventory.

The intern may also choose to participate in a development program offered by the Department of Administration, which will provide an opportunity to learn about state government and meet state officials and other interns, and support career development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in a course of study in natural sciences or environmental science/ engineering or similar. Students would need to be current undergraduates (returning to school in fall 2024), currently enrolled undergrads (including spring 2024 graduates), or those in graduate school.
• 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.
• Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to sites.
• Due to the nature of the business, the incumbent must be a minimum of 18 years old at the time of employment.
• As a condition of employment, will be subject to a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Data management and computer skills are a plus.
• For the best access to work experiences, intern should be able to travel, work in a variety of weather conditions, navigate rugged or slippery terrain, lift 25 lbs.

Post Offer Requirement

• State of Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate. The successful applicant (even non-residents) must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue’s website within 10 days of the date the applicant has been offered the employment position. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual’s account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact (785) 296-3199. Visit the Tax Clearance site for more information on and where to obtain this Kansas Department of Revenue document.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External) who meets minimum qualifications
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Flexible part-time to full-time (20 to 40 hrs/wk). The position is allowed up to 999 hours per year max.
• Work Schedule: As needed Monday-Friday 8 AM – 5PM. May 13 – August 16 (shorter duration may be possible)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: No
• Office Location: Topeka, KS – Curtis State Office Building
• Application Deadline: March 8, 2024

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

$ $15.03 to $18.26