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Environmental Specialist (216493)

Kansas Department of Health & Environment
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Job Title: Environmental Specialist 

Job ID: 216493

Location: Shawnee County

Job Posting Closes: May 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 (K0209593)

KS Dept. of Health & Environment is seeking a coordinator for the Kansas Brownfields Program. The position requires a strong communicator who will be the lead grants planner/writer; manage work plan activities, budget and timeline to meet grant program goals; enthusiastically conduct promotions and communications related to outreach projects; provide technical assistance to private and non-profit developers and tribal, local, state and federal agencies; and coordinate the performance of environmental site assessments through KDHE contractors.

Lead grant planner/writer and tracker for the Assessment and Restoration Section for all 128(a) and 104(k) grants. This includes initial planning and drafting of the grant, working with the Section Chief and fiscal analyst to determine budget. Coordinate with other state programs involved with the grant process, plan and coordinate with EPA and provide notification of subsequent awards.  Assist tribal governments, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in competitive grant applications including review, consultation, and coordination.  Track, monitor, and report to the Section Chief all grants that have been awarded to KDHE throughout the project periods including meeting all quarterly and/or semi-annual reporting requirements.

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

Plan and enhance the ongoing Brownfields out-reach program in order to raise awareness and promote the Kansas Brownfields Program.  Plan, conduct, and participate in workshops and community out-reach events throughout Kansas. Represent the agency/bureau/section/program at public meetings, technical meetings, and workshops, including the presentation of technical environmental data, process, and procedures for assigned projects. Periodically required to plan, prepare, and present scientific or regulatory presentations to various workgroups of the public and industry.  Responsible for keeping the program website current. Publish periodical Brownfields newsletters and distribute to interested parties.  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with tribes, industry, governmental officials, consultants, and members of the public.

Plan and conduct studies through compilation and analyses of land use, environmental impact, and other data to develop and/or promote local or regional redevelopment of contaminated properties or properties with perceived contamination. Plan and conduct brownfields inventories for communities of varying sizes throughout Kansas.   Review and evaluate technical proposals, work plans, and reports for completeness, accuracy, and technical adequacy for highly complex projects, including analysis and interpretation of complex environmental and/or other technical data to identify and develop solutions to project specific environmental problems within the state.  Act as project manager on complex, environmentally contaminated Brownfield sites and other assigned projects where ongoing investigation and cleanup are occurring.  Evaluate investigative, monitoring, and general remedial progress to ensure projects are completed within a timeframe deemed adequate by KDHE and within timeframes established by State law. Interact with consultants and the public to review, present, and negotiate all aspects of project management. Maintain appropriate certifications for American Society for Testing and Materials Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), asbestos surveys and abatement, lead-based paint, and mold surveys.

 

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:  

  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, business, education, communications, or natural sciences/resources and two years of experience in a field of planning, business, education, communication, or natural sciences/resources.

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • MS Publisher and ESRI Arc Map
  • Conducting and/or overseeing ASTM Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments
  • Organizing and conducting informational workshops/conferences
  • Information management using databases and spreadsheets
  • Preparation of newsletters, presentations and brochures
  • Experience/certification working with lead-based paint and asbestos containing materials.
  • Experience with geographic information services software - ArcMap.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:  

  • Incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.  Must secure and/or maintain ASTM certification for conducting Phase I and II environmental assessments.

 

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."