What are the responsibilities and job description for the Geologist Specialist position at Kansas Department of Health and Environment?
Job Posting
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy
Job Posting closes:September 10, 2026
Required documents uploaded by: September 10, 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.
About The Position
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 (K0210431)
This posting is for a Geology Specialist position in the State Cooperative Program at KDHE. The State Cooperative Program is within the Bureau of Environmental Remediation and specializes in supervising and facilitating the cleanup of contaminated sites associated with activities of responsible parties. The Geology Specialist position acts as a project manager for assigned sites, and is tasked with reviewing technical reports, authoring decision documents, conducting field oversight, upkeeping the administrative record, and ensuring that remediation projects are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and best practices. This position has the potential to be a Professional Geologist or a Professional Geologist Senior, depending on the qualifications of the applicants.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
Serves as KDHE project manager for environmentally contaminated sites or other assigned projects that are variously complex in nature within the State Cooperative Program. Reviews and evaluates technical work plans, proposals and reports for completeness, accuracy, and technical adequacy. Includes analysis and interpretation of environmental and other technical data to identify and develop solutions to project-specific environmental problems. Evaluates investigative, monitoring, and general remedial progress to ensure projects are completed within a time frame deemed adequate by KDHE, established by State law, and established by legal agreements with Responsible Party. Interacts with consultants and the public to review, present and negotiate all aspects of project management. Coordinates project management with other applicable bureaus and programs within the agency and other governmental or regulatory entities. Communicates all aspects of project specific management with the Unit Manager. Communication with the Section Chief and Bureau Director may also be required as appropriate.(Project Management)
Reviews and/or evaluates groundwater, soil, sediment, and/or surface water quality sampling programs to assure field procedures and other requirements are effectively performed in accordance with the approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) including project-specific field sampling plan, QAPP, quality management plans, work plan, and applicable state and federal guidance and policies. Follows all appropriate agency/bureau/section/state/federal program guidance, policies, and procedures. Performs site visits for the purpose of oversight of inspections, field investigations and remediation. Periodically collects split samples for verification of cleanup standards and/or provides oversight of field investigative activities (drilling, sampling, trenching, building demolition, etc.).(Field Work/Oversight)
Qualifications
Name: Tracey N. Benson
Email: Tracey.N.Benson@ks.gov
Mailing Address:1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612
Job Application Process
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
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 determine 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 a 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 .
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy
Job Posting closes:September 10, 2026
Required documents uploaded by: September 10, 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.
About The Position
- Who can apply: External (Open to Anyone)
- Classified/Unclassified Service: Classified
- 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.
- Pay Range:
- Geology Specialist - bi-weekly $2,402.40
- Professional Geologist - bi-weekly $2,584.00
- Professional Geologist Senior - bi-weekly $2,848.00
- Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.
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 (K0210431)
This posting is for a Geology Specialist position in the State Cooperative Program at KDHE. The State Cooperative Program is within the Bureau of Environmental Remediation and specializes in supervising and facilitating the cleanup of contaminated sites associated with activities of responsible parties. The Geology Specialist position acts as a project manager for assigned sites, and is tasked with reviewing technical reports, authoring decision documents, conducting field oversight, upkeeping the administrative record, and ensuring that remediation projects are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and best practices. This position has the potential to be a Professional Geologist or a Professional Geologist Senior, depending on the qualifications of the applicants.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
Serves as KDHE project manager for environmentally contaminated sites or other assigned projects that are variously complex in nature within the State Cooperative Program. Reviews and evaluates technical work plans, proposals and reports for completeness, accuracy, and technical adequacy. Includes analysis and interpretation of environmental and other technical data to identify and develop solutions to project-specific environmental problems. Evaluates investigative, monitoring, and general remedial progress to ensure projects are completed within a time frame deemed adequate by KDHE, established by State law, and established by legal agreements with Responsible Party. Interacts with consultants and the public to review, present and negotiate all aspects of project management. Coordinates project management with other applicable bureaus and programs within the agency and other governmental or regulatory entities. Communicates all aspects of project specific management with the Unit Manager. Communication with the Section Chief and Bureau Director may also be required as appropriate.(Project Management)
Reviews and/or evaluates groundwater, soil, sediment, and/or surface water quality sampling programs to assure field procedures and other requirements are effectively performed in accordance with the approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) including project-specific field sampling plan, QAPP, quality management plans, work plan, and applicable state and federal guidance and policies. Follows all appropriate agency/bureau/section/state/federal program guidance, policies, and procedures. Performs site visits for the purpose of oversight of inspections, field investigations and remediation. Periodically collects split samples for verification of cleanup standards and/or provides oversight of field investigative activities (drilling, sampling, trenching, building demolition, etc.).(Field Work/Oversight)
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:
- Bachelor's degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or other geology field
- Geology Specialist: Four years direct experience in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience. Staff are working toward obtaining an intern geology certification and a professional geology license while in the position
- Professional Geologist: Professional geology license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions
- Professional Geologist Senior: Professional geology license recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions plus four years of experience as a licensed geologist
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's Degree
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
- Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
- Manage projects and data evaluation
- Sampling and logging experience
- Ability to use personal protective equipment
- ArcGIS mapping
- Experience with Superfund (CERCLA) and/or RCRA Programs
- Four years direct experience in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience
- Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
- Employees must annually 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.
- 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. A 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 you 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 a 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
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 on 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
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
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 determine 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 a 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 .
Salary : $2,402 - $2,848