Environmental Specialist

Job Title: Environmental Specialist
Job ID: 206769 (K0237075)
Location: Shawnee County
Job Posting Closes: December 5, 2022

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:
Our agency head is Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Governor Kelly in Dec 2021. We are made up of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof. This allows us to take a holistic approach to the health and well-being of all Kansans.
http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/

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 Range: $23.31 - $26.98
* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Position Summary & Responsibilities: The position (K0237075) Watershed Management Section seeks individual to assist statewide efforts to protect and improve water quality. This individual will contribute to these efforts primarily through specialized skills in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). An ideal candidate would have a combination of education and experience in the use of GIS software that provides the skills necessary to address complex environmental problems and water resource issues, plus a working knowledge of Kansas natural resource issues. Secondarily, this position allows experience working with state and federal grant management through volunteer programs that incorporate public and private stakeholders to improve water quality in Kansas. The incumbent should have a desire to work in the conservation and environmental fields and the ability to communicate in varying capacities with a wide range of partners. The candidate will have the capacity to adapt to emerging watershed science technologies and the willingness to become lead on projects.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: Serve as Project Leader for all phases of multiple Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) projects. Plan, develop, lead and coordinate the actions of fairly large groups of local stakeholders made up of scientists, managers, elected officials, and landowners. Responsible for supervising the activities of a regional unit of WRAPS projects and project coordinators: (A) Independently advises local stakeholders through professional observations and judgments necessary to identify environmental improvements to water quality; (B) Select and apply appropriate environmental tools including mathematical models and recommend solutions and best management practices to solve specific water quality problems and achieve pollutant reduction goals within the regional unit; (C) Analyze and interpret water quality data for local officials and stakeholder groups and provide scientific basis to make final decisions of a technical nature to identify water quality impairments, recommend corrective action through pollutant reduction goals and projects, and to evaluate project performance over time; (D) analyze data and make recommendations to solve specific problems that are not being accomplished; (E) Communicate and coordinate assistance to local stakeholders and external partners regarding Source Water Assessment program principles, objectives and methodologies; and (F) Facilitate cooperation, knowledge and resources from watershed stakeholders.
Recruiter Contact Information

* Name: Sharon Dew
* Email: Sharon.C.Dew@ks.gov
* Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

Qualifications
Education :

* Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture or Environmental science with an emphasis in biology, chemistry, agronomy, animal science 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 agriculture or environmental science with an emphasis in biology, chemistry, agronomy, animal science or a related natural science.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Master's Degree in Environmental, Agricultural or Biological Science
* Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
* Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
* Demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills
* Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
* Knowledge of the strategies for water pollution control and measurement
* Knowledge of water pollution biology, chemistry, and bacteriology of water and wastewater
* Knowledge of the principles of natural science related to environmental control or natural resources
* Experience with environmental regulations and statutes
* Knowledge of principles of watershed management, water quality, non-point source pollution
* Experience in Agriculture
* Ability to interpret federal, state, and local environmental or conservation laws and regulations