Environmental Lab Assessor

Position available for an Environmental Laboratory Assessor to conduct environmental laboratory assessments and complete documentation in compliance with Federal regulations. Travel around the state will be required.

About the agency

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, appointed by Governor Laura Kelly in December 2021. KDHE comprises three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (including the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). It is the only agency in the nation to integrate these three entities under one roof, enabling a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct on-site assessments for environmental laboratory certification in compliance with KDHE regulations.
• Review previous assessments and applications in preparation for an assessment.
• Perform assessments within expected timeframes and evaluate the technical competence and performance of laboratories.
• Prepare and send reports of findings within expected timeframes.
• Make determinations for approvals, denials, revocations, and suspensions of environmental laboratory certification.
• Provide assistance to environmental laboratories experiencing difficulties with procedures or problems associated with accreditation policies.
• Conduct technical reviews of procedures presented by environmental laboratories for certification when EPA-promulgated methodology is not available.
• Communicate enforcement actions against environmental laboratories violating State regulations.
• Review new and renewal applications for Field Lab level environmental laboratory certification and properly document the process.
• Provide assistance with certification renewal and completion notices.
• Develop and present training or informational presentations to stakeholders on topics such as data integrity, ethics, QA/QC, laboratory data validation, or specific methods.
• Assist with environmental laboratory quality requirements for KDHE Environmental Laboratory.
• Interact with IT or ELIPO LIMS staff to participate in the design, development, and modifications of the accreditation program database.
• Maintain current technical awareness of existing and emerging approved methods, instrumentation, and instrument software as it pertains to the accreditation process.
• Maintain awareness of existing and emerging State and Federal regulations (Drinking water, Wastewater, Solids and Hazardous waste, and Air) and evaluate their impact on the State program and the laboratory community.

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent must maintain a valid driver’s license for operating state, private, or rental vehicles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Strong proofreading, editing, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team.
• Self-motivated.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field and 2 years of experience in laboratory procedures/analysis.
• Presentation and training skills.
• Database management skills.
• Advanced degree in Natural Science.
• Experience writing reports, SOPs, test methods, and/or QA plans.
• Completion of one or more EPA Drinking Water Certifications.
• Experience writing regulations and policies.
• Completion of one or more EPA Drinking Water certification officer courses.
• Two years of experience with laboratory procedures/analyses utilizing EPA-approved methodologies.
• One year of experience in a quality assurance/quality control role in a regulated laboratory.
• Experience in an environmental laboratory.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation.
• Experience in a quality assurance role.

Knowledge of K.A.R. 28-15-35 through K.A.R. 25-15-37, EPA Standard Methods, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and The NELAC Institute (TNI) 2016 Standard is beneficial but not required.

Post-Offer Requirements

• A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is required for employment. Applicants must obtain this within ten days of a formal job offer. The Kansas Department of Revenue can assist with payment plans if needed. Contact: 785-296-3199.

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

Hourly Pay Range: $29.49 - $31.04. Salary varies depending on education, experience, or qualifications.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Flexible schedules available). Full-time, regular position.

Eligible for benefits and veterans' preference.