Environmental Associate (215351)

Job Title: Environmental Associate 

Job ID: 215351

Location: Shawnee County

Job Posting Closes: February 5, 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.

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: $21.16 - $21.64

* 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

This Position (K0233549)

The Environmental Associate KS Dept. of Health & Environment is seeking an Environmental Associate to provide field support for environmental projects in the Site Assessment Program. The candidate should have strong mechanical aptitude for operation and maintenance of hydraulic equipment and an interest in protecting the resources of KS. The Environmental Associate position is responsible for operation and maintenance of Geoprobe/drill rig and equipment, collection of soil, groundwater, surface water, and air samples in accordance with Bureau SOPs, conducts field audits in accordance with Bureau SOPs, QA/QC documents, and policies, prepares purchase orders for field supplies, and maintains and schedules vehicle fleet maintenance for Bureau. 

Provide technical support for field investigations including the preparation of supplies, equipment, and vehicles for mobilization; operation of vehicles and equipment; disposal of waste; and decontamination of sampling equipment.  Operate or assist in operation of KDHE’s Geoprobe direct-push sampling units, drill rig, and other technical sampling equipment. Collects groundwater, surface water, soil, and waste samples under proper chain-of-custody and transports samples to the laboratory as specified. Reviews, understands, and follows all site specific workplans, QAPPs, field sampling plans, and health and safety plan and adheres to the QMP, SOPs, and other bureau, section, and program guidance.

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

 Maintain section vehicles on a regular basis. Follows up on reports of mechanical issues, works with the supervisor and administrative staff to coordinate and schedule vehicle maintenance. Shuttles vehicles to and from the shop for repairs and maintains vehicle maintenance records. Maintain the section areas of the Monroe Garage and section field equipment. Keep the Monroe Garage clean and safe at all times. Is thoroughly familiar with the operation and maintenance of all field equipment and trains others on the proper use and maintenance of field equipment.  Ensure that all field equipment is calibrated and operating according to the manufacture’s specifications, decontaminated, and properly stored when not in use. Tracks and inventories field equipment regularly.

Responsible for ordering, maintaining, and tracking consumable field supplies for the section. Inventories and maintains records of field supplies (bentonite, tubing, string, gloves, bailers, etc.). Recognizes the need for purchases and completes purchase orders as directed by the supervisor or unit chief. Researches and compares supply and equipment costs and provides cost information and purchase documentation as needed. Provide technical support by drafting, editing, and reviewing documents. This may include completing forms, generating field notes, drafting and revising trip memos and field sampling reports, reviewing reports, and reviewing figures and tables. Documentation will require attention to detail and some technical expertise.

Qualifications

Education:  

• High School, GED

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:  

• Two years of relevant technical experience in an environmental field and/or program. Education may be substituted by the agency as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Word, Excel
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Operation of drilling, probing equipment, and field equipment
• Mechanical aptitude for operation/maintenance of hydraulic equipment
• Knowledge of field soil/groundwater sampling
• Ability to review and interpret technical data, and good communication skills
• Experience compiling data into tables and figures

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:  

• Within six months of hire, incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.  Must obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER certification within three months of hire.

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.