Environmental Specialist (217803)

Job Title: Environmental Specialist 

Job ID: 217803 

Location: Shawnee County

Job Posting Closes: September 8, 2025

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:  

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans. 

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law.  For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9.   KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position. 

E-Verify: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.

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
• Sponsorship:  KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position.

Compensation: 

• Hourly Pay Range: $25.68 - $28.31

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications. 

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

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information… 

Position Summary & Responsibilities

The position (K0221585)

Conduct reviews of licenses, applicants, or governmental agencies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations associated with the Kansas Residential Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, K.S.A. 65-1, 201 et seq. Conduct on-site reviews and inspections, and in-depth evaluations of service to ensure compliance of standards with state and federal program regulations and program guidelines. Inspections may occur at lead-based paint renovation worksites or other locations where building remodeling, repair, renovation or repainting is occurring.  Prepare written reports of inspections and assists/advise on appropriate corrective action.

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

Develop and present training and education programs on lead poisoning prevention for industry, groups, agencies, and institutions. Provide technical and assistance in identification and removal of lead-based surface coatings in residential properties for homeowners who wish to safely perform renovation work on their homes. Provide instruction on safe disposal of old lead-based paint covered building materials.

Assist in the expansion of Residential Lead Hazard program efforts through collaboration with municipalities and local level home or housing related programs.  Expand program partnerships within the public and private sector by meeting with industry and local government officials to detail how the program efforts impact their citizens and customers and how they can combine efforts with our program to assist in the training of workers, promote lead-safe work practices when disturbing lead in housing and to protect the surrounding environment.

Qualifications

Education:  

• Bachelor’s Degree 

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.         

Minimum Qualifications:  

• A bachelor's degree in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology or a related natural science is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Excellent Communication skills
• Knowledge of lead-based paint work practices
• Knowledge of construction practices and building codes
• Advanced analytical skills
• Strong detail and organizational skills
• Analytical work experience
• Public Speaking experience
• Work experience in a regulatory program or with the construction industry

Post Offer Qualifications: 

• Incumbent must successfully complete training for and be certified as a Lead Hazard Risk Assessor and Lead Based Paint Inspector within 12 months of hire and maintain certification for duration of employment.

Recruiter Contact Information

• Name:  Ariana Paige 
• Email:  Ariana.Paige@ks.gov 
• Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612 
• 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."