Geologist Project Manager (215386)

Job Title: Geology Series 

Job ID: 215386

Location: Shawnee County

Job Posting Closes: February 17, 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: 

Pay Range:

• Geology Trainee - $25.05 per hour
• Geology Associate - $27.62 per hour
• Professional Environmental Geologist - $66,560.00 annually 

* 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 (K0231119) The KDHE Bureau of Environmental Remediation in Topeka is seeking a geologist for a project management position in the Dry-Cleaning Remediation and Superfund Program. This position manages investigations and remediation efforts at contaminated dry cleaner and Superfund sites statewide. The position evaluates technical work plans, proposals, sampling programs, analytical data, and reports associated with investigations and remedial actions. Some travel is required to perform site visits for the purpose of conducting field investigations, contractor oversight, or environmental sampling activities.  Successful candidates will have the ability to interact well with contractors, consultants, partner agencies, and the public to be able to review, present and negotiate all aspects of the project. An applicant with a bachelor’s degree in geology with no licensure will be hired as a Geology Trainee. An applicant who has acquired a Intern Geologist Certificate recognized by the Board of Technical Professions will be hired as a Geology Associate. An applicant who is a licensed Professional Geologist in the State of Kansas will be hired as a Professional Environmental Geologist. Pay is commensurate with licensure status.

Serves as a KDHE Project Manager for projects at Dry Cleaning, Superfund, and other sites as assigned, where investigation and remediation efforts are occurring. Coordinates and performs elements of the investigative, monitoring and remedial processes under the supervision of the Unit Manager to ensure projects are completed within an acceptable time frame. Reviews and evaluates work plans and reports for completeness and technical accuracy for relatively complex sites. Interacts with consultants and the public to review, present and negotiate all aspects of project management. Reviews project specific documents within program guidelines which include 30-to-60-day maximum review timeframes. Performs or manages sites activities in accordance with approved work plans, field sampling plans, quality assurance project plans, quality management plans, and applicable state and federal guidance and policies.  Performs these activities under the direction of the Unit Manager, within program guidelines and time frames, and documents them through written correspondence with project stakeholders.  Interacts with consultants and public stakeholders during all aspects of the project management.  Coordinates with associated Bureau staff, and other Bureaus and Programs within the Agency. Coordinates with other governmental or regulatory entities at the local and federal level.

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

 Prepares, reviews, and/or evaluates technical work plans, sampling programs, proposals and reports associated with investigations and remedial actions at sites throughout Kansas for completeness, accuracy and technical adequacy.  Includes analysis and interpretation of geological, environmental and other technical data to formulate solutions to project-specific environmental problems and to identify data gaps that would preclude forward progress at the sites and ultimately regulatory approval.  Follows all appropriate Agency/Bureau/Section/Program guidance, policies, procedures and the Quality Management Plan. Reviews will be documented through written correspondence with entities conducting such investigations and/or remediation. Various types of communication including written (letter and email) and oral (telecommunication and face-to-face) are expected during document reviews.  Projects assigned to this position will vary in complexity. Geologic interpretation is overseen by a licensed professional geologist. Works toward professional geologist licensure under a licensed professional geologist.

Performs site visits for the purpose of field investigations, oversight inspections, and remediation.  Periodically conducts sampling activities, collects split samples for quality assurance and verification of cleanup standards, and/or provides oversight of field investigative activities (i.e. drilling, sampling, trenching, remedial install, etc.). understands and follows the Quality Management Plan and annually reviews such documents. Implements field work in a manner that is safe and consistent with appropriate agency policies and guidelines. Conducts geologic reviews and interpretation under the direction of a licensed professional geologist.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Science, Geoscience, or another related field.

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:  

Geology Trainee

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Science, Geoscience, or another related field.
• Within 6 months of hire, incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear. 
• Incumbent is required to work towards professional geologist licensure and ultimately maintaining that professional geologist licensure while in this position.

Geology Associate

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Science, Geoscience, or another related field.
• Valid Intern Geologist or Fundamentals of Geology Certificate recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions.
• Within 6 months of hire, incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.
• Incumbent is required to work towards professional geologist licensure and ultimately maintaining that professional geologist licensure while in this position.

Professional Environmental Geologist

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Science, Geoscience, or another related field.
• Valid Professional Geologist license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions. 
• Incumbent is required to continue to maintain their professional geologist licensure at this level while in this position.
• Within 6 months of hire, incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Sampling of environmental media
• Verbal presentations
• ArcGIS
• Experience in collection and interpretation of soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water samples
• Experience with the remediation of volatile organic compounds
• Experience in preparing and/or reviewing of soil and groundwater assessment reports
• Experience in project management of environmental assessments and remediation
• Experience in preparing and/or reviewing soil and groundwater assessment
• Experience in project management of environmental assessment and remediation projects
• Ability to use personal protective equipment

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:  

• Must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary personal protective equipment. Job does require physical activities involved with the essential functions of the job.

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.