Geology & Well Technology Unit Chief (212809)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Geology & Well Technology Unit Chief opening in Topeka. This position supervises administration of the Underground Injection Control (Classes I, III & V) program, the Underground Hydrocarbon Storage program and the Water Well Licensing program of the Geology and Well Technology unit. Responsible for ensuring compliance of facilities, their wells, and their salt caverns with permitting requirements pursuant to Federal and State law. Responsible for licensing of water well drillers and their rigs for ensuring ground water protection during well installation. Program is to be administered in conformance with State/Federal regulations. Maintains up to date knowledge of federal program activities and periodically reviews state statutes and regulations for conformance with Federal requirements. Ensure timely submittal of reports required by the Federal UIC Program. Ensures State/EPA workplan commitments are met. Handle public hearings on permit, enforcement and regulations as needed. Supervise administration of statewide Water Well Program regulating construction and plugging of water wells. Ensures water well contractors licenses are issued/re-issued in a timely manner and that water well records are reviewed for compliance. Supervise administration of statewide Underground Hydrocarbon Storage Program regulating the design, construction, operation, testing, monitoring, and plugging of storage wells and associated caverns. Ensures mechanical integrity tests on wells and boreholes are conducted according to regulatory requirements and permitting schedules. Responsible for ensuring permits are issued or reissued in a timely manner. Handle public hearings on permit, enforcement and regulations as needed.

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

Makes work assignments, sets performance standards, conducts personnel evaluations and actions, recruits, and interviews prospective employees, setting staff priorities, providing performance feedback to staff, rewarding staff performance appropriately, supporting career development, communicating effectively, stimulating productivity, and providing a creative working environment. Follow all appropriate federal, state, agency guidance, policy, regulations, and statutes to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Unit. Implements, and modifies as needed, a quality assurance/quality control program.

Prepares and delivers reports and information both orally and in writing to industry, federal, state, and local organizations regarding various activities of program administration. Interfaces with other programs and sections within the bureau to ensure that program goals are being met and program guidelines are being followed. Provide interpretation to the regulated community, other governmental entities and professional and field staff of federal and state statutes, regulations and administrative policies and procedures consistent with program objectives. Aid staff to resolve unusual or complex problems. Represent the Department at public hearings and other forums to present information regarding specific site activities. Develops and prepares background information for presentation and coordinates the information within legal agreements with responsible parties, KDHE attorneys, and responsible party’s attorneys for specific sites. Participates and assists in outreach and training seminars and EPA Program reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in a geology program or project area.
• Professional geology license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in geology or related geologic science 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.
• Professional geology license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Master’s degree in geology or related geologic science field.
• Experience in building working relationships with regulated facilities.
• Experience interpreting and writing administrative rules and regulations.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting policies or procedures.
• Experience with underground wells or storage caverns.
• Experience permitting, grant writing and grant administration.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to speak effectively in public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• 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.

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

$ 76,986