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 Retirement and deferred compensation programs

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Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

This position (K0229938)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Geology Trainee/Geology Associate/Professional Environmental Geologist opening in Topeka. The Bureau of Environmental Remediation is seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s of Science in Geology, with preference for a candidate that has their Professional Geologist licensure and/or has experience in gas chromatography (GC) operations. This position will manage environmental projects in the Site Assessment Program. The candidate should have strong interest in protecting state resources by investigating and identifying sources of soil and groundwater contamination. The Geologist position is responsible for development of investigation work plans and reports, and other necessary proposals to conduct environmental investigations. The site assessment projects that will be assigned are complex projects state-wide.

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

Plans and completes site assessments and investigations including preparation of technical work plans, proposals and reports for completeness, accuracy, and technical adequacy for the projects in the Site Assessment Program. Utilizes scientific knowledge and skills to provide technical analysis and interpretation of environmental data to identify and develop solutions to project specific environmental problems in the state including identification of impacted targets and potentially responsible parties. Acts as project manager on more complex projects as assigned by the Unit Manager in the Site Assessment Program. Writes technical reports documenting field work and results. Coordinates the geologic elements of the investigation, monitoring, and remedial process with a licensed geologist to ensure projects are completed.

Preparation and analysis of the soil/groundwater samples collected by the field personnel for analysis of volatile organic compounds using the Mobile Laboratory Gas Chromatograph (GC). Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the GC including PID, FID and ECD detectors and the equipment within the fixed-based laboratory. Generates and maintains calibration standards of the analytes for calibration of the GC. Documents the field laboratory procedures for Quality Control/Quality Assurance purposes in accordance with KDHE SOPs. Generates Mobile GC Laboratory report of the analytical results.

Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Earth Science, Geoscience, or other 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 other 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 geology licensure ultimately maintaining a professional geology license while in this position. Geology Associate Bachelor's degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or other 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 geology licensure ultimately maintaining a professional geology license while in this position. Valid Intern Geologist certificate recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions. Professional Environmental Geologist Bachelor's degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or other 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 geology licensure ultimately maintaining a professional geology license while in this position. Valid Professional Geologist license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, geology, geochemistry or natural sciences. Experience in laboratory operations. Experience in operation of a mobile gas chromatograph (GC) for VOC analysis. Two years of experience in conducting environmental investigations. Familiarity with analytical equipment. Geologic, chemistry or environmental science knowledge. Technical report writing. Proofreading, editing, attention to detail. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access. 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.

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