Environmental Specialist ( 217108)

 Kansas Department of Health & Environment

Job Title: Environmental Specialist

Job ID: 217108

Location:  Shawnee County

Job Posting Closes: 

Job Posting closes: October 30, 2025

Required documents uploaded by:  October 30, 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

Position Summary:    

The position (K0210883)

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Category 5 alternative plan assessment and development.  When appropriate develop and/or utilize surface water quality models in support of the assessment.  Analyze the degree of pollution impairment occurring in Kansas' streams, lakes and wetlands using GIS, land use, water use, habitat, geologic, climate, geomorphometry, water quality and flow data to establish cause and affect linkages between watershed activities and water quality conditions. Utilize established statistical techniques to interpret data.  Develop novel statistical techniques for model dataset development and data interpretation when necessary.  Apply knowledge of chemical and biological processes during watershed assessment and when simulating the fate and ecological effects of environmental stressors in a watershed.  Utilize model outputs to inform TMDL and plan development for impaired waterbodies including point and nonpoint loading scenarios, water quality milestone and endpoint development. Perform technical analyses necessary to support the linkage and allocation of pollutant loads to specific sources within a watershed.  Assist with planning and implementing third-party contracts for water quality modeling projects.  Develop Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), and Data Quality Assessment protocols when needed.

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

Provide technical review of draft TMDLs prepared by other TMDL staff.  Support database management for the work unit.  Assist with unit web site updates.  Support bureau staff with map creation and plotter printing. Assist with section initiatives such as the nutrient trend analyses and/or biological gradient projects. Assist with biennial development and submittal of the 303(d) List of Impaired waters.

Qualifications

• Education:  
  • Master’s degree in environmental, chemical, biological, or natural sciences/resources
• 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:  
  • A bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology or a related natural science.
• Preferred Qualifications:  
  • A master’s degree in environmental, chemical, biological, or natural sciences/resources
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • Surface water quality modeling experience
  • Data mining and statistical analyses of environmental data sets; R script; ArcGIS; Minitab
  • Ability to communicate technical information verbally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of Clean Water Act requirements.
  • Knowledge of chemical and biological indicators of water quality,
  • Experience applying scientific principles and practices of watershed management.
  • Experienced with ArcGIS, Minitab, and R Script.
  • Knowledge of chemical and biological processes in environmental systems.

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"