Environmental Specialist (209865)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Environmental Specialist opening in Frontenac. This position analyzes, compiles, and interprets environmental data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance, and correlations between human activities and environmental effects on mined lands affected by past coal mining.  Prepares and/or evaluates all National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation including hydrology, water quality, vegetation analysis, soil composition, and wetland delineation for accuracy.  Acts as the lead NEPA contact with engineering firms while providing scientific recommendation for corrective actions based on known or identified environmental observations.  Analyzes and evaluates complex wetland and species mitigation efforts. Recommends remediation plans when maintenance problems are found, using knowledge of reclamation procedures and surface mining laws.  Performs routine statistical analysis associated with verification of data sets. Develops and writes environmental assessments, categorical exclusions, and other environmental permits as necessary to complete abandoned mine land reclamation projects. Provides written scientific and technical recommendations for corrective action to environmental problems within the environmental assessments and categorical exclusions.

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

Oversees engineering firms as a Project Manager in the development of complex abandoned mine land (AML) project designs, plans, and bid specifications and provides evaluation of the same by analyzing and interpreting statistical and environmental data obtained from literature reviews, special reports, or surveys to identify and substantiate specific environmental or engineering problems associated with the plans and designs.  Compiles, analyzes, and interprets statistical, scientific, and environmental data obtained from literature reviews, special surveys, and reports to substantiate specific environmental, design, or engineering problems.  Evaluates AML designs, plans, and bid specifications for detail, accuracy, clarity of designs, feasibility of implementation in the field, and completeness in meeting State and Federal laws, and agency policies, guidelines, and goals, as applicable.  Identifies and provides written technical and scientific recommendations for corrective action in decisions regarding identification of specific environmental or safety problems on AML sites.

Obtain, collect, compile, analyze, and interpret the appropriate technical and scientific information and data for all types of permits from federal, state, and local agencies necessary to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, and obtain Authorization to Proceed from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) to complete abandoned mine land reclamation projects.  This included compiling, analyzing, and interpreting the results of chemical and biological tests as necessary to identify and substantiate specific problems or undesirable trends in spoil toxicity, water quality, and re-vegetation problems on abandoned mine land projects.  Part of NEPA compliance will be the development of plans covering the placement of recording devices, the methodology for bat detection, and monitoring procedures to conduct scientific environmental studies that meet US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) protocol for sampling and protecting Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species of bat in areas of the proposed reclamation.  Perform acoustic bat surveys and prepare scientific reports and correspondence based upon environmental observations and data from the acoustic surveys.  Obtain T&E clearance from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism and the USFWS for the T&E bat species listed in the proposed AML Project vicinity.

 

Qualifications: 

Education:

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

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology, or a related natural science.

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.

• Master’s degree in biology.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Training, experience, or education in construction related fields.
• Knowledge of vegetation sampling methods and statistics.
• Surveying and map interpretation along with geospatial processing.
• Advanced job knowledge in reclamation of highly disturbed lands.
• Experience in wetland delineation (vegetation, soils and hydrology) is desired.
• Experience with habitat identification of threatened and endangered species is desired.
• Experience writing detailed technical proposals is beneficial.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:

• In addition to complying with the State Ethics Laws, the incumbent must be able to comply with the Restriction On Financial Interests of State Employees of the Federal Office of Surface Mining, 30 CFR Part 705.
• Employee is required to complete 8-hour MSHA safety training 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 (209865) 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

$ $25.05 to $26.31