Geology Trainee/Geologist Associate/Professional Environmental Geologist (211805)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Geology Trainee/Geologist Associate/Professional Environmental Geologist opening in Topeka. This position reviews and evaluates technical work plans, proposals and reports for completeness, accuracy, and technical adequacy. Includes analysis and interpretation of environmental and other technical data to identify and develop solutions to project-specific environmental problems. Evaluates investigative, monitoring, and general remedial progress to ensure projects are completed within a time frame deemed adequate by KDHE, established by State law, and established by legal agreements with Responsible Party. Interacts with consultants and the public to review, present and negotiate all aspects of project management. Coordinates project management with other applicable bureaus and programs within the agency and other governmental or regulatory entities. Communicates all aspects of project specific management with the Unit Manager. Communication with the Section Chief and Bureau Director may also be required as appropriate.

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

Reviews and/or evaluates groundwater, soil, sediment, and/or surface water quality sampling programs to assure field procedures and other requirements are effectively performed in accordance with the approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) including project-specific field sampling plan, QAPP, quality management plans, work plan, and applicable state and federal guidance and policies. Follows all appropriate agency/bureau/section/state/federal program guidance, policies, and procedures. Performs site visits for the purpose of oversight of inspections, field investigations and remediation. Periodically collects split samples for verification of cleanup standards and/or provides oversight of field investigative activities (drilling, sampling, trenching, building demolition, etc.).

Assist Unit Manager, as requested, with various programmatic duties such as developing guidance, drafting policy, chairing, or participating on internal and external committees and work groups, leading meetings, and giving presentations.  Provides reports on project tracking and budget status (if applicable) to Unit Manager or Section Chief as requested.  Updates agency database and files to document actions and decisions at each assigned project on a quarterly basis (at minimum) to characterize progress on projects.  Communicates and provides briefings to Unit Manager, Section Chief, Bureau Director, and other levels of management, as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• 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.

Geology Trainee

• 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or another related field.
• Experience with Superfund (CERCLA) and/or RCRA Programs.
• Sampling and logging experience.
• Manage projects and data evaluation.
• ArcGIS mapping.
• Ability to use personal protective equipment.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

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.

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.

Compensation:

• Pay Range:

Geology Trainee – $23.86 per hour

Geology 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

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

$ $23.86 to $30.48