Environmental Specialist
Kansas Department of Health & Environment Bureau of Water
Full-Time
Salary: 23.21/hr, depending on qualifications
Job Description:
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document upon hire. KDHE participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Environmental Specialist (K0225401) in the Bureau of Water
Participate in the ongoing implementation of field activities related to the KDHE stream probabilistic (SP) monitoring program, according to programmatic QAPPs and SOPs and applicable personnel policies. This position will: collect aquatic macroinvertebrates, algae, and unionid mussel valves, and perform physical habitat assessments; participate in water chemistry sampling activities for SP sites and submit samples to laboratories; participate in fish tissue sampling activities for SP sites, in coordination with Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Staff; and train and direct the actions of summer interns and other temporary field staff. Note that this work requires multi-day travel during the workweek, extended periods of driving/riding in a field vehicle, long work hours, and lifting/carrying of heavy equipment.
Participate in ongoing implementation of laboratory activities related to the KDHE stream probabilistic monitoring program. This position will: identify aquatic macroinvertebrates collected in the course of field activities, according to the SP program standard level of taxonomic resolution; identify unionid mussel valves to species level and archive synoptic collections; prepare water column samples for chlorophyll and algal taxonomy analysis; perform other preparation or analysis of samples as requested. All of these tasks incorporate Quality Assurance activities, and the individual will also participate in the organization, updating, and maintenance of KDHE’s biological (e.g., taxonomic) reference library, help maintain the agency’s reference collections of fish and macroinvertebrate specimens; and report the taking of unusual or highly significant taxa (e.g. threatened or endangered species; new state or county records) to appropriate state and federal authorities (USFWS, KDWPT, KBS).
A complete position description can be emailed upon request.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in environmental, agricultural or natural sciences/resources and one year of experience in a field of environmental/agricultural sciences or natural sciences/resources.
Necessary Special Requirements:
• Must obtain and maintain Red Cross (or equivalent) certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic first aid, before engaging in field work.
• Must complete Defensive Driving course within six months of hire date and maintain certification thereafter.
• This position requires extensive overnight travel during the workweek, typically two to three day trips, for almost half of the year, and the incumbent will share the responsibility of driving field vehicles.
• This position requires physical strength and ability to lift/carry up to 60 lbs alone or share in the transport of equipment up to 120 lbs, in a variety of environmental conditions and sometimes over rough or steep terrain.
• 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 Criteria:
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or closely related field
• Master’s degree in Freshwater Ecology or closely related field
• Two years applied experience in: (a) planning and implementation of surface water quality studies, including both water chemistry and aquatic biological investigations; (b) collection of aquatic biological (benthic macroinvertebrate, freshwater mussel, and fish) samples; (c) application of electrofishing techniques and related safety measures; (d) preservation of biological specimens and archiving of biological reference collections; and (e) use of taxonomic keys as related to the identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates, freshwater mussels, and fish indigenous to Kansas and neighboring states.
• ArcGIS
• Familiarity with quality assurance/control principles
• Proficiency in fish, unionid mussel, and aquatic macroinvertebrate taxonomy
• Strong technical report writing skills
• Strong statistical analysis skills
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
HOW TO APPLY:
The application process has 3 STEPS.
STEP 1: Register by completing the online Personal Data Form (https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center/sec-home/state-employment/register-personal-data)
(Skip this step if you already have an Applicant ID number.)
STEP 2: Complete the State of Kansas Application Form (https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center/sec-home/state-employment/apply) and submit to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
STEP 3: Email these additional documents to recruiter@ks.gov Include the job requisition number and your last name in the subject line.
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Copies of Official transcripts if a degree is required or preferred
• Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate
KANSAS TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE REQUIRED: Each applicant applying for a State of Kansas job vacancy must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website at http://www.ksrevenue.org/taxclearance.html A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. All applicants, including current state employees, are responsible for submitting a valid certificate with all other application materials to the hiring agency. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact 785-296-3199.
Recruiter Contact:
KDHE – Office of Personnel Services
ATTN: Recruiter
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 580
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: 785-296-4486
Fax: 785-559-4271
Email: recruiter@ks.gov
How You Will Be Evaluated:
Your application will be considered incomplete and you may be found ineligible if you fail to submit all required documentation. Your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet the minimum and any necessary special requirements. Next, your application will be evaluated and rated based on preferred selection criteria and competencies for the position.
What To Expect Next:
After your application is evaluated and ranked, you may be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome after the selection process is complete. You may call or email the recruiter contact listed to inquire about your application.
Veterans Preference’ Eligible (VPE):
Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran" under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the competency factors of the position, including any preferred selection criteria established in accordance with K.A.R. 1-6-3. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager. See jobs.ks.gov for additional Veterans' Preference Information.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact the agency recruiter if reasonable accommodations are needed for any part of the application or hiring process.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KDHE encourages applications from all persons. Federal and state legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, and veteran status. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to contact Human Resources at 785-296-1539 if accommodations are needed in completing an application, interviewing and any other aspect of the employment process. EOE
The mission of KDHE is to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans.
Find out more about us at our website