Geology Trainee

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: January 12, 2026

Required documents uploaded by: January 12, 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.

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:

Geology trainee: $25.05

Geology associate: $27.62

Professional geologist: $66,518.40

• 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 (K

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

The Kansas Dry Cleaning Program leads the cleanup of contaminated dry cleaners at the State level with complexities that range from simple to Superfund-level difficulty.

Serves as a KDHE Project Manager for projects at Dry Cleaning 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 licensed Professional Geologist 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 Professional Geologist 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 State 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 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.

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:
• 4 years direct experience in natural science
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Masters- Geology/Hydrogeology/Earth Science/Geoscience or related field
• Graduate work in Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental/Earth/Natural Science
• 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
• 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. Staff is expected to work towards obtaining their professional Geologist Licensure while in the position
• 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 Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Tracey N. Benson

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

Helpful Resources at : "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 : "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 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 , scanned and emailed to , 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 : $66,518