Environmental Compliance/Regulatory Specialist I (212847)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Storage Tank Section is seeking a friendly and positive-minded candidate to fill our Environmental Compliance/Regulatory Specialist I position in Topeka, KS. This position is an entry-level position that would be perfectly suited for someone looking to start their career in the environmental field, as well as a more experienced candidate looking for a career change. This position works a 40-hour work week Monday through Friday but would be eligible to work from home for up to two days per week after the first six months of employment.

KDHE provides employees with a friendly work environment and opportunities to grow their career in the environmental field. KDHE also provides State benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as retirement accounts.

This position oversees the Underground Storage Tank (UST) application, review, and approval process for UST installations, modifications, upgrades, and repairs. This position acts as the compliance manager for a specific set of UST facilities to review loss control data, financial responsibility documents, and facility inspection records. This position communicates daily with the regulated community to assist them with tank compliance and permitting issues. Multiple training opportunities are available to fortify the applicant’s technical abilities.

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

Performs compliance evaluations and completes office studies prior to approving plans submitted to KDHE for new UST systems and repairs, upgrades, or modifications made to existing UST systems. Evaluates whether the 1) equipment used in new installations and upgrades of UST systems meets with state and federal regulations for corrosion protection, spill prevention, and overfill prevention; and 2) various methods of UST system release detection to ensure the equipment and methods are compatible with state and federal regulations. Utilizes scientific insight regarding new tank installations to determine that state and federal pollution prevention requirements are met. Maintains a list of which manufacturers of tanks and pipes used for the installation, upgrading, and repair UST systems in Kansas have provided KDHE with current certificates of pollution liability insurance to meet the terms of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. Approves those UST installation, repair, and upgrade applications for which manufacturers have sent in required insurance certificates.

This position conducts detailed reviews of inventory control and release detection records at facilities for permitting purposes or if the primary means of release detection has failed, or increased scrutiny is required for the detection of small-scale releases, or other special circumstances. If the primary method of release detection has failed, completes such reviews within 10 working days of receipt of inventory control and release detection records. This position is the main reviewer of letters of self-insurance, guarantees, coverage under risk retention groups, surety bonds, insurance policies, 3rd party liability insurance policies and letters of credit to a make sure these mechanisms meet state and federal requirements for demonstrating financial responsibility for damage to property and bodily injury cases by releases from USTs and allow the permitting of USTs. Completes reviews of the documents listed above within 5 working days. Gives guidance on what mechanisms of financial responsibility will serve the needs of Trust Fund Applicants and owners whose property includes USTs, but these individuals do not meet the statutory requirements for UST ownership. This position evaluates the need for and develops information necessary to initiate formal enforcement actions in the Trust Fund Program.

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 with emphasis in environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, or natural resources.
• Experience with UST’s and AST’s.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing including public presentations.
• Training or work experience in the installation, maintenance, and operation of underground storage tanks.
• Experience in the operation of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Database/Data Management Systems.
• Public speaking.
• 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

$ 21.13 to 23.31