Environmental Compliance and Regulatory Specialist (209768)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Environmental Compliance and Regulatory Specialist opening in Ulysses. This position performs routine inspections at all feedlots identified on the annual workplan inspection lists. Inspects feedlot water pollution controls to evaluate water pollution potential and determine compliance with permit conditions and/or applicable statutes and regulations. Within established timeframes complete detailed and thorough inspection reports and facility correspondence stating inspection findings. Establishes compliance deadlines for items determined to be out of compliance and conducts timely follow up with the facility to ensure compliance deadlines are met. Enters inspection reports into the livestock waste database and ensures hard copies are routed to the district and Livestock Water Management Section (LWMS) files. Provides technical assistance to feedlot operators and local agency staff to help them understand the permit and regulatory requirements and refers feedlot operators to technical assistance providers for assistance designing pollution controls and obtaining cost share. When efforts to return a facility to compliance are unsuccessful, confers with the District Environmental Administrator and LWMS to refer non-compliant facilities for enforcement.

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

Conduct site appraisals at proposed new feedlot facilities or feedlot expansions within 30 days of receipt of the facility registration to evaluate the suitability of the site for the proposed activity. Complete a Significant Water Pollution Potential and Site Appraisal Form and use information obtained to determine whether the proposed facility will be required to obtain a permit. Advise facility operator on the permitting process and provide technical assistance on completion of required application materials. Assist the LWMS with the review of water pollution control plans, preparation of draft permits, and evaluation of site-specific characteristics to determine separation distances, topography, soil types, and presence of surface and groundwater.

Investigate feedlot complaints and reports of wastewater discharges and/or Fishkills. Determine the validity of complaints and document the extent of environmental impacts from feedlot wastewater discharges using photographs and water quality samples collected at appropriate locations. Interpret laboratory analytical reports for water quality samples. Follow established protocols for the documentation of complaint investigations and completion of Fishkill reports. Prepare facility correspondence identifying items of non-compliance and establishing compliance deadlines. Provide timely follow-up on compliance deadlines.

Qualifications: 

• Two years of experience in an environmental field and/or program. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Education:

The minimum level of education and experience required to perform the job.

• 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: 

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Biological, Agricultural or Natural Sciences/Resources
• Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities
• Experience conducting regulatory inspections and preparing technical reports
• Knowledge of the principles of water quality and pollution prevention
• Experience working in the agricultural or feedlot industry
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of people
• Experience collecting water and/or soil samples and reading laboratory analytical reports

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 (209768) 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

$ $21.64 to $23.82