Environmental Compliance Regulatory Specialist

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (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, allowing us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

About the role

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Bureau of Waste Management is seeking an individual passionate about environmental protection and enforcing regulations designed to prevent mismanagement of waste and pollution. The successful candidate will conduct routine compliance inspections, draft inspection reports detailing compliance status and violations, manage waste tire cleanup efforts, and may draft enforcement documents including penalty assessments and Administrative Orders. Travel and overnight stays, up to 50% of the time, will be required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance evaluation inspections at facilities with coordination from district staff.
• Document violations and draft inspection reports.
• Investigate illegally dumped waste tire complaints.
• Communicate regularly with district staff, the public, and local governments.
• Manage cleanup funds for waste tire projects.
• Draft enforcement-related, educational, and outreach documents.
• Provide testimony in administrative hearings.
• Perform waste tire inspections at retail tire dealers, permitted tire processors, monofils, and storage locations to determine compliance with applicable waste tire statutes and regulations.
• Conduct unannounced inspections including site tours, waste tire inventory reviews, disposal record reviews, and permit reviews.
• Perform field evaluations and investigations for waste tire management problems referred by district staff or identified internally.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical data to identify and develop resolutions for each case.
• Prepare formal enforcement documents for solid waste tire-related cases and provide litigation support.
• Draft enforceable informal settlement agreements using proposals submitted by respondents as Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs).
• Track and verify facility compliance with settlement terms and financial obligations of Consent Agreement and Final Order.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Four years of experience in an environmental field and/or program.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize personal protective equipment, verified through a comprehensive baseline physical (paid for by KDHE).
• Valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate (required prior to employment).

Preferred Qualifications

• Four years of experience with emphasis in environmental/agricultural sciences or natural resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Strong proofreading, editing, and attention to detail.
• Experience in environmental field work and frequent public/business interactions.
• Knowledge of Kansas solid and hazardous waste laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Inspection and/or enforcement experience.
• Two years of professional experience in the study and resolution of environmental scientific problems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, and vision coverage.
• Sick and 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.

Pay

Pay rate: $22.38 - $24.72 per hour. Salary varies depending on education, experience, or qualifications.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Flexible schedules available). The typical work week is 40 hours.