Engineering Trainee/Engineering Associate/Professional Environmental Engineer (210100)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Engineering Trainee/Engineering Associate/Professional Environmental Engineer opening in Topeka. The Bureau of Water, Industrial Programs administers the regulatory permitting programs for the handling, treatment, and disposal of industrial wastewater; the pretreatment of industrial wastes directed to municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems; and the quality of stormwater runoff associated with industrial, or construction related activities subject to federal Clean Water Act provisions or Kansas surface water quality standards. This position reviews industrial wastewater and stormwater permit applications and develops permits in conformance with State/Federal laws and regulations.  The candidate ensures that industrial wastewater permits are issued/reissued in a timely manner and contain appropriate effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and operating criteria by utilizing State/Federal regulations/criteria and employing engineering judgment and practices.

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

Reviews industrial wastewater and stormwater permit applications and develops permits in conformance with State/Federal laws and regulations.  Ensure that industrial wastewater permits are issued/reissued in a timely manner and contain appropriate effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and operating criteria by utilizing State/Federal regulations/criteria and employing engineering judgment and practices. Draft permits and other materials reviewed by supervisor.

Conduct office studies, field investigations or inspections of industrial wastewater treatment facilities, waste disposal practices, groundwater contamination sites, and industrial stormwater management practices.  Identify industrial wastewater/stormwater problems, propose solutions/corrective actions, and resolve outstanding environmental problems.  Coordinate activities with appropriate KDHE personnel.  Provide recommendations to unit or section chief for review and concurrence.  Participate and assist in KDHE outreach activities associated with industrial wastewater/stormwater permitting; the handling, treatment, and disposal of industrial wastewater and wastewater sludge; protecting public health; and environmental protection.

Review engineering reports, plans, and specifications for wastewater treatment facilities to ensure sound engineering practices were utilized and conform, as appropriate, to KDHE’s Minimum Standards of Design.  Develop technical comments and recommendations to consultants and/or industrial representatives for review and concurrence by supervisor.

Qualifications: 

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.

Engineering Trainee Position

• Working towards obtaining an intern engineering certification while in position.

Engineering Associate Position

• Engineer in Training or Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate recognized by the Board of Technical Professions.

Professional Engineer Position

• Professional engineering license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Engineering Trainee Position

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

Engineering Associate Position

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Engineer in Training or Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate recognized by the Board of Technical Professions.

Professional Engineer Position

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Professional engineering license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.

Pay Range: 

• Engineering Trainee – $30.48 per hour
• Engineering Associate – $33.58 per hour
• Professional Engineer – $84,870.24 annually

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 (210100) 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

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ $30.48 to $40.80