Geology Trainee/Geologist Associate/Professional Environmental Geologist (209820)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Geology Trainee/Geologist Associate/Professional Environmental Geologist opening in Topeka. This position will serve as project manager for relatively complex projects at federal facilities, Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) and other sites as assigned where characterization and/or remediation activities are occurring.  Assist other programs in the Section depending on staffing resources and availability. Coordinate, perform, and/or evaluate elements of the investigative, monitoring, and remedial processes at these sites under the direction and supervision of the Unit Chief to ensure projects are completed within an acceptable time frame.  Interact with consultants, federal regulatory contacts, and the public, as necessary, to review, present and negotiate all aspects of project management.

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

Prepare, review, and/or evaluate technical work plans, sampling programs, proposals, and reports, associated with characterization and/or remedial actions at sites throughout Kansas for completeness, accuracy, and technical adequacy.  Includes analysis and interpretation of technical data to formulate solutions to project-specific environmental problems in the state and to identify data gaps that would preclude forward progress at the sites and, ultimately, regulatory approval.  Perform or manage site activities in accordance with approved work plans, field sampling plans, quality assurance project plans, quality management plans, and applicable state and federal guidance and policies.  Utilize expertise in the field of geology to review project plans and reports regarding characterization of surface and subsurface conditions. Perform these activities under the direction of the Unit Chief, within program guidelines and timeframes, and documents them through written correspondence with project stakeholders.

Perform field work that may include traveling across the state.  Fieldwork activities may include the inspection of sites and the collection of soil, soil vapor, groundwater, or other types of field data.  Perform site visits for the purpose of oversight or performance of field investigations and remediation (drilling, sampling, trenching, building demolition, etc.).

Pay Range:

• Geology Trainee – $23.86 per hour
• Geology Associate – $26.30 per hour
• Professional Environmental Geologist – $63,401.52 annually

Qualifications: 

• Incumbent is required to work towards professional geology licensure ultimately maintaining a professional geology license while in this position.

Geology Associate

• Bachelor’s degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or another related field.
• Within 6 months of hire, incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.
• Incumbent is required to work towards professional geology licensure ultimately maintaining a professional geology license while in this position.
• Valid Intern Geologist certificate recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.

Professional Environmental Geologist

• Bachelor’s degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or another related field.
• Within 6 months of hire, incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.
• Incumbent is required to work towards professional geology licensure ultimately maintaining a professional geology license while in this position.
• Valid Professional Geologist license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.

Education:

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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Science, Geoscience, or another related field.

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 geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or other related field.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• ArcGIS.
• Experience performing environmental contractor oversight.
• Experience preparing and/or reviewing remediation reports.
• Experience in preparing and/or reviewing soil and groundwater assessment.
• Experience in collection and interpretation of soil, sediment, groundwater, and air samples.
• Experience with Superfund (CERCLA) and/or RCRA Programs.
• Experience managing multiple-stakeholder environmental investigation and remediation projects.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:

• Must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary personal protective equipment. Job does require physical activities involved with the essential functions of the job.

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 (209820) 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

$ $23.86 per hour to $30.50