Environmental Specialist (211033)

Summary:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Environmental Specialist opening in Topeka. This position will be in the Bureau of Air, Permitting Unit. Responsibilities include review of construction and operating permit applications, source information, air emission calculations, and other documents provided by permit applicants for compliance with the Clear Air Act federal regulations and Kansas Air Quality Regulations.

A successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology, or a related natural science major, and have an interest in working in the environmental field.  Candidates need not be familiar with air quality regulations to apply. Training with experienced professionals will be provided. In addition to on-the-job training, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment offers a positive work environment with flexible work hours, competitive benefits, a team environment, and work life balance.  The typical work week is 40 hours.

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

Review construction and operating air permit applications from assigned facilities for both routine and complex permit approvals, permits, permit renewals and permit modifications. Applications are reviewed to ensure all necessary information is provided.  Upon completion of this review a draft permit is developed for the internal concurrence process.  Contacts with applicants are for clarification of submitted information, to request additional information, to check source information and to check emission calculations provided by permit applicants. This review also includes checks to see that all appropriate regulations qualify this application for the class of permit requested. Once approvals and permits have been drafted, they are submitted to internal concurrence process. All approvals are reviewed and approved by supervisor.

Develop both routine and complex responses, approvals, and air permits, including Class I and Class II Operating permits and construction documents. Permits are developed ensuring adherence to all federal and state regulations and the Bureau of Air policies and procedures. Assure that all statutory, regulatory, contractual, and procedural requirements have been satisfied prior to issuance of a permit.  Performs quality assurance reviews of permits written by less experienced permit writers and helps mentor new and less experienced. staff in developing and writing permits. Once draft approval or permit has completed the internal concurrence process, the permit is issued to the applicant. All permit documents are reviewed for accuracy by the supervisor and Section Chief.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: 

• Bachelor’ degree in environmental, agricultural, or natural sciences/resources and one year of experience in a field of environmental/agricultural sciences or natural sciences/resources.

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 an Engineering curriculum.
• Ability to exercise judgement and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies.
• Knowledge of chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of pollutants.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relating to air quality.
• Ability to organize scientific data, draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• 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”

Salary Range

$ $25.05 to $26.31