Environmental Compliance Regulatory Specialist

Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas; Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental,

Paid Holidays

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs

Fitness Centers

STAR Program discounts

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

Job summary

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Storage Tank Section seeks a friendly and motivated Environmental Compliance & Regulatory Specialist in Topeka, KS. This entry-level role is ideal for starting a career in environmental compliance, requiring a bachelor’s degree or two years in the field.

The position administers the UST Licensed Contractor Testing program, conducts initial testing for license qualification, and updates testing material to reflect regulatory changes.

Qualifications

• High School or GED required.
• Two years of experience in an environmental field and/or program; education may substitute for experience.
• Bachelor's degree with emphasis in environmental, agricultural or natural sciences/resources (or equivalent).
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Lotus Notes and Oracle.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist facility owners and operators in understanding requirements and achieving compliance.
• Serve as the compliance manager for an assigned group of UST facilities.
• Write enforcement letters for UST facilities with violations.
• Review permitting applications and compliance documentation.
• Issue permits once violations are corrected and requirements are met.
• Daily communication with regulated community for guidance on tank compliance and permitting issues.
• Lead reviewer for contractor and contractor company license applications.
• Serve as backup district enforcement liaison and backup lead enforcement worker.

Skills

Public Speaking

Technical Writing

Database Experience

Regulatory Compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in environmental, agricultural or natural sciences/resources

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Lotus Notes

Oracle

Job description

Job Posting

Job Posting Closes: October 15, 2026

Required documents uploaded by: October 15, 2026

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.

KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position.

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.

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: $22.38-$24.72
• 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

The position (K0236410)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Storage Tank Section is seeking a friendly and motivated candidate to join our team as an Environmental Compliance & Regulatory Specialist in Topeka, KS. This is an entry-level opportunity that is ideal for individuals looking to start their career in the environmental field, as well as experienced professionals interested in transitioning into environmental compliance work. This position requires either a bachelor's degree in any field or at least two years of experience in the environmental field.

The position is the main administrator for the UST Licensed Contractor Testing program. The person in this position will conduct initial testing for individual(s) requesting to become a licensed contractor in Kansas for installation, testing, and/or removals of UST systems. Grades written test(s) submitted by contractor(s) for their license renewal(s) or new license requirements. Reviews testing material for periodic updates according to federal and state regulation along with recommended practices from industry standards. Incorporates updates into new testing material along with preparing any new test for new requirements mandated by changes in state statutes or regulations.

• Assist facility owners and operators in understanding requirements and returning to compliance with state and federal underground storage tank (UST) regulations.
• Serve as the compliance manager for an assigned group of UST facilities.
• Write enforcement letters for UST facilities with compliance violations.
• Review permitting applications and compliance documentation.
• Issue permits once violations have been corrected and requirements are met.
• Communicate daily with the regulated community to provide guidance on tank compliance and permitting issues.
• Act as lead worker for reviewing and processing contractor and contractor company license applications.
• Serve as the backup district enforcement liaison and backup lead enforcement worker.

KDHE offers employees a supportive and collaborative work environment along with some opportunities for professional growth and development in the environmental field. For instance, KDHE offers multiple training opportunities to help employees strengthen their technical knowledge and regulatory expertise.

This position works a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. After the first six months of employment, selected candidate is eligible for a hybrid schedule with up to two days of remote work per week.

Provides consultation and technical assistance in UST program to the regulated public to interpret regulatory requirements and resolves common operational problems as necessary to facilitate compliance with storage tank regulations. Gives out accurate technical information through the mail and by telephone to regulated tank owners, licensed-contractors, district office personnel, and personnel from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The employee will also speak to public and professional groups concerning storage tank issues. Knowledge of the state and federal regulatory process is required.

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 experience in an environmental field and/or program. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Lotus Notes, Oracle
  • Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in environmental, agricultural or natural sciences/resources. Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in environmental, agricultural or natural sciences/resources
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • Technical Writing
  • Public Speaking
  • Database Experience
  • Experience in working with state or federal UST regulations, along with experience with UST and AST

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements

Within the first year of employment, the incumbent must pass a physical exam that certifies the individual can work in the necessary protective gear.

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 be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

Veterans' Preference Eligible

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 determined by the hiring manager.

Disability Hiring Preference Eligible

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 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.

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.