Environmental Associate

Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas; On-site; USD 58,143,000 - 64,105,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking a Field Operations Technician to support environmental investigations, mobilize field resources, operate sampling units, and ensure proper sample handling in the field.

You will maintain vehicles, manage field equipment, and assist with data documentation while following safety plans and procedures for groundwater, soil, and waste sampling.

Qualifications

• High School or GED required.
• Two years of relevant technical experience in an environmental field preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for field investigations including preparation of supplies, equipment, and vehicles for mobilization; operation of vehicles and equipment; disposal of waste; and decontamination of sampling equipment.
• Operate or assist in operation of KDHE’s Geoprobe direct-push sampling units, drill rig, and other sampling equipment; collect samples under proper chain-of-custody and transport to the lab.

Skills

Two years of technical experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Field sampling knowledge

Data interpretation

Drilling/probing equipment operation

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High School, GED

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Job Posting Closes: September 24, 2026

Required documents uploaded by: September 24, 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 .

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: $20.33- $22.38
• 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

Provide technical support for field investigations including the preparation of supplies, equipment, and vehicles for mobilization; operation of vehicles and equipment; disposal of waste; and decontamination of sampling equipment. Operate or assist in operation of KDHE’s Geoprobe direct-push sampling units, drill rig, and other technical sampling equipment. Collects groundwater, surface water, soil, and waste samples under proper chain-of-custody and transports samples to the laboratory as specified. Reviews, understands, and follows all site specific workplans, QAPPs, field sampling plans, and health and safety plans and adheres to the QMP, SOPs, and other bureau, section, and program guidance.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following

• Maintain section vehicles on a regular basis. Follows up reports on mechanical issues, works with the supervisor and administrative staff to coordinate and schedule vehicle maintenance. Shuttles vehicles to and from the shop for repairs and maintains vehicle maintenance records.
• Maintain the section areas of the Monroe Garage and section field equipment. Always Keeps the Monroe Garage clean and safe. Is thoroughly familiar with the operation and maintenance of all field equipment and training others on the proper use and maintenance of field equipment. Ensure that all field equipment is calibrated and operated according to the manufacture’s specifications, decontaminated, and properly stored when not in use. Tracks and inventories field equipment regularly.
• Responsible for ordering, maintaining, and tracking consumable field supplies for the section. Inventories and maintain records of field supplies (bentonite, tubing, string, gloves, bailers, etc.). Recognizes the need for purchases and completes purchase orders as directed by the supervisor or unit chief. Researches and compares supply and equipment costs and provides cost information and purchase documentation as needed.

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:
  • Two years of relevant technical experience in an environmental field and/or program. Education may be substituted by the agency as necessary.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Word, Excel
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • Operation of drilling, probing equipment, and field equipment
  • Mechanical aptitude for operation/maintenance of hydrualic equipment
  • Knowledge of field soil/groundwater sampling
  • Ability to review and interpret technical data, and good communication skills
  • Experience compiling data into tables and figures

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements

Within six months of hire, incumbent must pass a physical which certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear. Must obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER certification within three months of hire.

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. 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 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 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

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.