Environmental Microbiology Unit Lab Intern (212185)

Internship Project Duties:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking one Intern to join our Internship Program in the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories located in our Topeka laboratory for the summer.  The proposed internship will be from May 2024 to November 2024, but intern may start anytime.

The intern will aid the Environmental Microbiology lab during the summer months due to the increased number of samples to be analyzed. There are 1000 public water supplies that utilize the KDHE Laboratory for compliance monitoring. The intern will help analyze samples from these systems, as well as testing of surface waters throughout the state of Kansas in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act.   Public water systems are collecting source water samples to monitor for the presence of blue green algae toxins, which are most prevalent during summer months.  The KDHE Bureau of Environmental Field Services also collects recreational water samples during the summer months to monitor and track blue green algae toxin concentrations to reduce/prevent public health exposure.  This position will also assist in determining overall quality of recreational bodies of water throughout the state of Kansas in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act.

An intern opportunity to learn about the following:

• Receiving, shipping, and testing water samples daily
• Perform regular maintenance lab checks.
• Sample set-up, preparation, testing and disposal.
• Operating and maintaining basic laboratory equipment
• Monitor quality control.

Minimum Qualifications

• The position requires at least a high school diploma but prefers experience in chemical laboratory testing and/or microbiology testing, and currently enrolled in a college program.
• 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.

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.

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.

About the Position

• Who can apply: Anyone (External) who meets minimum qualifications
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Part-time. The position is allowed up to 999 hours per year max.
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 – 5:00 (flexible schedule can be discussed at interview).
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: No
• Office Location: KDHE Labs located in Topeka, KS
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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

$ https://jobs.ks.gov to $15.03