Environmental Compliance/Regulatory Specialist (211169)

Job Description:

The position (K0226604)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Environmental Compliance/Regulatory Specialist opening in Hays. This position will perform routine inspections at all feedlots identified on the annual workplan inspection lists. Inspect 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. Establish compliance deadlines for items determined to be out of compliance and conduct timely follow up with the facility to ensure compliance deadlines are met. Enter inspection reports into the livestock waste database and ensure hard copies are routed to the district and Livestock Water Management Section (LWMS) files. Provide technical assistance to feedlot operators and local agency staff to help them understand the permit and regulatory requirements and refer 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, confer 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 districts, 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.

Minimum 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:

• 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, agriculture, or natural sciences.
• Experience working in the agricultural or feedlot industry.
• Experience conducting regulatory inspections and preparing technical reports.
• Knowledge of the principles of water quality and pollution prevention.
• Experience collecting water and/or soil samples and reading laboratory analytical reports.
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of people.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

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

$ $21.64 to $23.82