Environmental Specialist (212565)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Environmental Specialist opening in Topeka. In coordination with other professional staff within the Air Compliance and Enforcement Section, this position 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.

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

Provide 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. Aids the other sections within BOA on the state and federal regulations listed above, as requested by the supervisor.

Reviews, analyzes, and interprets regulatory information from a variety of information sources, to identify and substantiate regulatory compliance status of major and minor air pollutant sources in the state. Prepares reports and documents of analysis and interpretations for supervisor on the determinations of regulatory violations, including missing or inaccurate facility regulatory reports and submittals, and develops recommendations for corrective actions. At the direction of the supervisor, compiles evidential information into a draft enforcement action. Participates in meetings with air pollutant source facility representatives, environmental consultants and engineers, third-party testing contractors, or governmental agencies at the local, state, or federal level, to discuss compliance status and discuss requirements to return to a compliant status, with all applicable air program regulations and/or permits.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• 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.

• Experience with industrial facilities.
• Experience performing environmental audits or surveys.
• Experience performing environmental inspections or investigations.
• Experience preparing environmental or technical reports.
• Experience interpreting environmental laws and regulations.
• Experience related to industrial pollution control equipment or systems.
• 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

$ 25.05 to 26.31