Environmental Specialist (211285)
Job Title: Environmental Specialist
Job ID: 211285
Location: Shawnee County
Job Posting Closes: December 21, 2023
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.
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
Compensation:
- Hourly Pay Range: $25.05 - $26.31
* 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 (K0242076)
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has an Environmental Specialist opening in Topeka. This position will manage the NPDES wastewater component of the Kansas Operator Certification Program. Coordinate with Water Permitting & Compliance Section and BOW staff to ensure that certified operators are under the supervision of properly certified personnel as per state statute and regulation. Assist with maintaining the certified operator database to track certification and continuing education requirements of certified operators. Determine compliance with permit’s operator certification requirements and make recommendations regarding enforcement actions. Determine operator compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations and make recommendations regarding revocation of certification.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
Administer the three wastewater technical assistance contracts, track referred facilities and evaluate assistance progress. Write contracts for wastewater technical assistance and follow the contract process through to signing and issuance. Work with contracted technical assistance providers to coordinate training efforts, including review and approval of training curriculum. Develop and deliver training related to wastewater system management and operations Annual Wastewater Operator School by developing an agenda, acquiring instructors, and evaluating the quality of instruction. Work with KDHE staff and 3rd party providers to coordinate and produce an annual training calendar and ensure distribution of the calendar to all wastewater certified operators.
Perform technical duties as assigned to support Unit Chief and other staff engineers with the agency's implementation of the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) program. Duties include, but are not limited to, the development of environmental review documents associated with CWSRF loan projects and assistance with completion of the Clean Watershed Needs Survey as required by EPA.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology, or a related natural science.
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:
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology, or a related natural science.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of collection systems.
- Knowledge of the biological treatment of wastewater facilities.
- Knowledge of wastewater mechanical facilities.
- Knowledge of mechanical wastewater treatment facilities.
- Knowledge of wastewater lagoon systems.
- Knowledge of Kansas water quality programs.
- Knowledge of the Clean Water Act.
- Knowledge of the NPDES program.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
Recruiter Contact Information
- Name: Ashley Webb
- Email: Ashley.webb@ks.gov
- Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612
- Please include the Job ID number when emailing.