Environmental Specialist (216911)

Job Title: Environmental Specialist 

Job ID: 216911

Location: Shawnee County

Job Posting Closes: June 18, 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 (K0242076) 

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 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 in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology or a related natural science. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of the NPDES program
• Knowledge of the Clean Water Act
• Knowledge of Kansas water quality programs
• Knowledge of wastewater lagoon systems
• Knowledge of mechanical wastewater treatment facilities
• Knowledge of wastewater mechanical facilities
• Knowledge of the biological treatment of wastewater facilities
• Knowledge of collection systems

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."