Geology Trainee/ Geologist Associate/ Professional Environmental Geologist (210124)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Geology Trainee/Geologist Associate/Professional Environmental Geologist opening in Topeka. This position provides technical guidance and assistance to the regulated community on matters relating to groundwater sampling and analysis procedures. Reviews Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs) and procedures at active and closed solid waste landfills in Kansas. Determines whether the SAP document submitted complies with the state solid waste regulations and policies. Prepares and provides comments on SAPs to solid waste landfills. Reviews, analyzes, and interprets field studies, groundwater monitoring reports, and geologic investigations related to groundwater contamination at active and closed solid waste disposal facilities to determine compliance with state statutes and regulations. Provides owner/operators of permitted solid waste disposal facilities with technical comments and guidance pertaining to groundwater monitoring. Reviews and validates consultant’s analytical data for data completeness, laboratory precision, data quality, error checks, and other quality control/quality assurance validation methods. Decides the appropriate follow-up activities that are necessary to assure compliance with statutes and regulations. Plans, organizes, conducts, and prepares reports evaluating the operation, maintenance, and construction of monitoring well systems at assigned facilities as required by appropriate Kansas statutes and regulations. RECORDS: Organizes and marks documents for proper filing and for physical file reviews. Places reports and drawing in appropriate file locations. Enters information into or submits information to the administrative staff for entry into the ImageNow digital records filing system and into the nForce database so important Bureau documents and records are available for reference and use.

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

Fieldwork involves the evaluation of solid waste landfills, and collection and analysis of soil and groundwater samples. Establishes soil and/or groundwater quality sampling programs to assure that sampling requirements are effectively performed in accordance with the approved quality management plan including project specific field sampling plan, quality assurance project plan, work plan and associated guidance and policies. Assists in the groundwater monitoring and cap inspections of the closed landfill site program. Examines the sites annually for adequate vegetative cover that is clear or weeds, trees, and animal burrows. Checks for erosion problems, lack of vegetative cover, and provides guidance to site owner/operators for possible remedies. Provides guidance of groundwater monitoring activities according to the Consent Order for the closed landfill site.

Represents section at public meetings, training seminars/workshops, and meeting with industry, local, state, and federal officials relating to Bureau programs. Communicates effectively (verbal and written) and provides explanations of complex technical interpretations of data and regulations on groundwater projects to the public, consultants, municipal, county, state, and federal government agencies.

Qualifications: 

Education:

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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Science, Geoscience, or other 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.

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.

Professional Environmental Geologist

• 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

Pay Range:

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

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 (210124) 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