Public Service Executive (Section Chief) (210404)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Public Service Executive (Section Chief) opening in Topeka. The Bureau of Waste Management is hiring a Section Chief for the Compliance and Aid-to-Local Section. This Section has three primary functions: (1) Coordinate with the district offices and the EPA to conduct compliance inspections of solid waste facilities and hazardous waste generators and develop enforcement cases; (2) Administer aid-to-local programs including two state grant programs that award about $1 million annually to local entities, a federal grant to develop a state sustainable materials management plan to meet national recycling goals, contracts with local units of government to clean up illegal dumps, and education and outreach initiatives to promote solid waste reduction, and; (3) Providing support to local solid waste management committees for development of local solid waste management plans and reviewing and approving those plans.

The successful candidate will be a strong leader capable of building a positive work environment, guiding a team to achieve defined program outcomes, and working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

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

Direct the work of the Compliance and Aid-to-Local Section to ensure that performance objectives are met, and work products meet accepted quality standards. Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the statutes and regulations, policies, technical guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and state and federal program workplans that govern the work of the Section.  Work of the Section includes: (1) implementing compliance and enforcement programs for hazardous, solid waste and waste tires; (2) providing training and technical support for district inspectors; (3) supporting the development and maintenance of the KEIMS database; (4) coordinating health and safety training for HHW operators and preparing of the HHW annual legislative report; (5) administering solid waste reduction and waste tire grants and contract-for-services for illegal dump cleanups, old city dump repairs and orphan waste removals; (6) creating outreach and education materials on waste reduction and recycling; (7) approving local solid waste management plans and providing technical support to local solid waste planning committees; (8) reporting performance metrics for the BWM monthly report and the annual statewide solid waste Management Plan progress report; (9) administering a federal grant to develop a statewide sustainable materials management plan; (10) providing responses to KORA requests.

Directly supervise the Compliance and Enforcement Unit Chief, Planning and Aid-to-Local Unit Chief, and Bureau KORA Officer. Use the Kansas Learning and Performance Management System to establish annual performance objectives and document at least mid-year feedback sessions and annual performance evaluations. Apply personnel policies consistently and equitably to staff. Establish and track performance metrics and work with Unit Chiefs to resolve deficiencies in program performance, including developing new or modified procedures. Review and approve Section work products including correspondence, and training/education/outreach materials, contracts, and grant applications. Promote teamwork and a positive work environment.

Coordinate with EPA to implement the RCRA hazardous waste program in Kansas including establishing annual Hazardous Waste grant workplan commitments. Participate in monthly enforcement calls and attend meetings with EPA as needed. Participate in EPA reviews of the Kansas hazardous waste program. Coordinate with BEFS to plan and support inspection activities by the six KDHE district offices, including development of the BWM/BEFS waste program workplan bi-annually to ensure state and federal inspection goals are met.  Participate in monthly district conference calls and statewide staff meetings.

Qualifications: 

• Three years of experience in planning, organizing, and directing the work of a department, program, or agency. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Education:

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

• High School, GED

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related degree, political science, or public administration.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Knowledge of solid & hazardous waste statutes and regulations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Five years of environmental program management and/or inspection experience, especially in the field.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.
• Experience developing or administering grants or contracts.
• Experience preparing and delivering presentations and professional conferences and/or training works.

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 (210404) 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

$ $61,829.04 to $68,182.00