Environmental Specialist

Job Posting Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy Job Posting closes: May 20, 2026 Required documents uploaded by: May 20, 2026 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. http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/ About the Position Who can apply: External (Open to Anyone) 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 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 (K0209593) Position Summary & Responsibilities: KDHE Brownfields Coordinator KS Dept. of Health & Environment is seeking a coordinator for the Kansas Brownfields Program. The position requires a strong communicator who will be the lead grants planner/writer; manage work plan activities, budget and timeline to meet grant program goals; enthusiastically conduct promotions and communications related to outreach projects; provide technical assistance to private and non-profit developers and tribal, local, state and federal agencies; and coordinate the performance of environmental site assessments through KDHE contractors. Lead grant planner/writer and tracker for the Assessment and Restoration Section for all 128(a) and 104(k) grants. This includes initial planning and drafting of the grant, working with the Section Chief and fiscal analyst to determine budget. Coordinate with other state programs involved with the grant process, plan and coordinate with EPA and provide notification of subsequent awards. Assist tribal governments, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in competitive grant applications including review, consultation, and coordination. Track, monitor, and report to the Section Chief all grants that have been awarded to KDHE throughout the project periods including meeting all quarterly and/or semi-annual reporting requirements. Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following Plan and enhance the ongoing Brownfields out-reach program in order to raise awareness and promote the Kansas Brownfields Program. Plan, conduct, and participate in workshops and community out-reach events throughout Kansas. Represent the agency/bureau/section/program at public meetings, technical meetings, and workshops, including the presentation of technical environmental data, process, and procedures for assigned projects. Periodically required to plan, prepare, and present scientific or regulatory presentations to various workgroups of the public and industry. Responsible for keeping the program website current. Publish periodical Brownfields newsletters and distribute to interested parties. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with tribes, industry, governmental officials, consultants, and members of the general public. Plan and conduct studies through compilation and analyses of land use, environmental impact, and other data to develop and/or promote local or regional redevelopment of contaminated properties or properties with perceived contamination. Plan and conduct brownfields inventories for communities of varying sizes throughout Kansas. Review and evaluate technical proposals, work plans, and reports for completeness, accuracy, and technical adequacy for highly complex projects, including analysis and interpretation of complex environmental and/or other technical data to identify and develop solutions to project specific environmental problems within the state. Act as project manager on complex, environmentally contaminated Brownfield sites and other assigned projects where ongoing investigation and cleanup are occurring. Evaluate investigative, monitoring, and general remedial progress to ensure projects are completed within a timeframe deemed adequate by KDHE and within timeframes established by State law. Interact with consultants and the public to review, present, and negotiate all aspects of project management. Maintain appropriate certifications for American Society for Testing and Materials Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), asbestos surveys and abatement, lead-based paint, and mold surveys. 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: Four years' experience in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology or related natural science Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access Proofreading, editing, attention to detail Public speaking ability to diverse lay and technical audiences as demonstrated by examples Preferred Qualifications: Environmental sciences, business, education, and/or communications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access Proofreading, editing, attention to detail MS Publisher and ESRI Arc Map Conducting and/or overseeing ASTM Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments Organizing and conducting informational workshops/conferences Information management using databases and spreadsheets Preparation of newsletters, presentations and brochures Experience/certification working with lead-based paint and asbestos containing materials. Experience with geographic information services software - ArcMap. Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements: Incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear. Must secure and/or maintain ASTM certification for conducting Phase I and II environmental assessments. Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a state job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have a missing tax return(s) or owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions Recruiter Contact Information Name: Tracey N. Benson Email: Tracey.N.Benson@ks.gov Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612 Job Application Process First Sign in or register as a New User. Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications. Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included in all your job applications. 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" Required Documents for this Application to be Complete Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page Transcripts DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran's Preference) Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application Resume Cover Letter Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: "How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents" How to Claim Veterans Preference 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 minimum competency factors of the position. 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. Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to: ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator Office of Personnel Services Landon State Office Building 900 SW Jackson, Rm 401 Topeka, KS 66612 Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.