Geology Trainee/Geologist Associate/Professional Environmental Geologist (210054)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Geology Trainee/Geologist Associate/Professional Environmental Geologist opening in Topeka. The Bureau of Environmental Remediation is seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s of Science in Geology, a licensed Professional Geologist preferred, to manage environmental projects in the Site Assessment Program. The candidate should have strong interest in protecting state resources by investigating and identifying sources of soil and groundwater contamination.  The Geologist position is responsible for development of investigation work plans and reports, and other necessary proposals to conduct environmental investigations. The site assessment projects that will be assigned are complex projects state-wide.

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

Lead Project Manager in Site Assessment Program. Develop and prepare technical work plans, field sampling plans, quality assurance project plans, health and safety plans, and work requests for contractors. Prepare Site Assessment reports upon completion of research and field activities and oversights contractors conducting Site Assessment activities. Review Site Assessment work plans and reports prepared by contractors. Reviews and evaluates geologic and hydrogeologic descriptions, interpretations and proposals for completeness and technical accuracy for relatively complex sites. Reviews practice of geology tasks of employees and mentors’ employees towards professional licensure.  The Site Assessment projects assigned vary in complexity and are state-wide. Activities include collection and interpretation of low to highly complex projects state-wide. Activities include collection and interpretation of environmental and technical data to assess sites with actual or potential releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Conducts the assessment projects, develops, and prepares Site Assessment reports within established KDHE and EPA grant expectations. Interacts with Federal, State, and local governmental entities and the public during project management of the Site Assessment projects. Coordinates with other applicable KDHE Bureaus within the agency and other governmental or regulatory entities. Communicates orally the aspects of the project specific management to Site Assessment Unit Manager and Section Chief. Communication with Bureau Director may also be required if necessary.

Oversight field operations related to Site Assessment projects. Coordinates the field team for the purpose of collecting soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, waste, and vapor intrusion samples as specified in work plans and/or work requests. Coordination activities incudes oversight of drilling and direct push operations and mobile laboratory analytical services. Operations of various field sampling and analytical equipment related to analysis of soil, surface water, sediment, waste, and vapor intrusion sampling. Prepare and evaluate soil/groundwater/ surface water/sediment/waste/vapor intrusion sampling programs to assure field procedures and other requirements are effectively performed in accordance with the approved KDHE Quality Management Plan, Field Sampling Plan, Quality Assurance Project Plan, Work Plan, Health and Safety Plans, and associated guidance and policies. Routinely. Conduct/oversight field sampling activities and investigations as assigned by the Unit Manager/Section Chief. Provides the review and evaluation of geologic and hydrogeologic investigation work plans and proposals, and ground water remediation systems for a limited number of assigned contaminated sites and completed within programmatic timeframes.

Qualifications: 

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.

Geology Trainee

• Bachelor’s degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or other 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.

Geologist Associate

• Bachelor’s degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or other 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.

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

Pay Range:

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

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 (210054) 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 to $30.50