Environmental Specialist (210131)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environmental has an Environmental Specialist opening in Topeka. This position provides mid-level to complex consultations and technical assistance to the regulated community, other governmental agencies, and the public on specific environmental regulations related to the MACT, NESHAP, HON, Area MACT, NSPS, and RACT regulations.  Compiles, analyzes, and interprets regulatory compliance reports and documents submitted by the regulated community to demonstrate compliance with these applicable air quality regulations.  Prepare scientific reports, correspondence and support documents for supervisor or other section staff with the air compliance and enforcement section. Provides assistance to the other sections within BOA on the state and federal regulations listed above, as requested by the supervisor.

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

In coordination with other professional staff within the Air Compliance and Enforcement Section, conducts complex field and office investigations and determinations related to source testing and compliance determinations with specific state and federal air quality control regulations and statutes, and state air permits.  Source testing/RATAs require demonstration of compliance with applicable air pollutant emission limitations contained within state/federal regulations. Job duties include conducting on-site source testing observations to assure testing/RATA protocols are followed, sampling procedures are met, and EPA reference test methods are followed as applicable, under the NSPS, NESHAP, MACT, Part 75 Acid Rain, and RACT regulations. Participates in pre-testing meetings to review test protocols and site-specific issues and concerns, with the source and third-party testing contractors.  Reviews mid-level to higher complexity testing/RATA test results submitted to the agency, for accuracy of scientific calculations of test results, and to determine if testing/RATA results has demonstrated compliance.

Presents information to environmental professionals, other governmental agency staff, and the public on various air program regulatory issues and concerns. Participate in section’s outreach activities to the regulated community to assist with regulatory compliance on a variety of state and federal air quality control regulations and rules.  Participates in monthly enforcement conferences calls with BEFS air program staff and local agency air program staff, and monthly conference calls/meetings with EPA Region VII and/or EPA headquarter staff.  Develops presentations for, and participates in, the semiannual Air Compliance and Enforcement Workshops and Meetings; presentations will be directed toward information and training of air program field inspectors within BEFS and the local agency air program staff.  Develops and prepares other air program documents, such as technical guidance and internal policy documents, as directed by supervisor.  Participate in training as available, related to this position to gain knowledge, and to improve skills to perform the job duties of this position.  Assist other section staff or other bureau staff with outreach activities conducted by the section or bureau, for internal and external customers.

Qualifications: 

Education:

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

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science 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.

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Work experience preparing environmental or technical reports.
• Work experience performing environmental inspections or investigations.
• Work experience performing environmental audits or surveys.
• Work experience with industrial facilities
• Work experience interpreting environmental laws and regulations.
• Work experience related to industrial pollution control equipment or systems.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:

• Certification as a Class II Asbestos Worker is required before completion of probationary period.
• The incumbent in this position must successfully complete a respiratory protection medical examination before completion of the probationary period.

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 (210131) 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