Environmental Health Specialist (Compliance Specialist III)

Johnson County Kansas; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson County Government's Department of Health and Environment is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist to protect public health through solid waste regulation, inspections, and community outreach in Olathe, KS.

The role requires a high school diploma with 2 years of related experience; a degree in natural sciences is preferred. Certification in SWANA and HAZWOPER are desirable, and a valid driver's license is required. Join a team focused on sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus two years of environmental, recycling, waste management, or related experience.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences or related field preferred with 5–8 years of experience.
• SWANA Certified Landfill Operator certification and 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification are preferred.
• A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.

Responsibilities

• Supports compliance with Solid Waste Code and applicable regulations; investigates complaints, conducts inspections, and documents findings.
• Manages permitting and compliance activities for residential solid waste haulers, including reviewing applications, inspections, and records.
• Leads Waste Assistance/Green Business Program efforts with businesses, schools, and nonprofits to meet sustainability goals; maintains metrics and reports.
• Supports annual and five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updates and committee work.
• Provides technical assistance and public outreach; prepares reports and supports meetings, trainings, and campaigns.
• Prepares environmental records for KORA requests; may respond to emergencies and spills and assist investigations.
• Maintains knowledge of emerging solid waste technologies and best practices; provides program support.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences or related field

Job description

Overview

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer competitive benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you're searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Job Description

Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is looking for a qualified candidates to fill the position of Environmental Health Specialist. This position is located at 11811 S Sunset Drive, Suite 2700, Olathe, KS 66061. The positions provide competitive benefits, including health insurance, wellness programs and discounts, retirement programs, and various other discount programs.

Job Responsibilities

Solid Waste Compliance & Enforcement: Supports compliance with and enforcement of the County's Solid Waste Code and applicable federal and state regulations. Investigates complaints and potential violations, conducts inspections, documents findings, resolves compliance concerns, and provides guidance on complex cases.

Permitting & Hauler Oversight: Manages permitting and compliance activities for residential solid waste haulers, including reviewing applications, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, maintaining records, and addressing non-compliance.

Waste Assistance & Green Business Program: Manages the County's Waste Assistance/Green Business Program and works with businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations to establish sustainability goals related to recycling, waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, transportation, and other environmental practices. Maintains program certifications, metrics, reports, and budget.

Solid Waste Planning: Supports annual and five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updates and provides administrative support to the Solid Waste Management Committee. Participates in internal and external committees and regional initiatives related to solid waste and sustainability.

Technical Assistance & Public Outreach: Provides information and technical assistance to residents, businesses, property owners, developers, other County agencies, and partner jurisdictions. Prepares technical reports and correspondence and supports public meetings, trainings, presentations, media campaigns, and other education and outreach efforts.

Environmental Records & Emergency Response: Prepares environmental records for KORA requests involving hazardous material spills, illegal dumping, and other environmental concerns. May respond to emergency incidents and hazardous spills, assist with investigations, and support environmental compliance activities.

Professional & Program Support: Maintains knowledge of emerging solid waste technologies, regulations, and best practices through training, professional organizations, and industry resources. Provides additional program support as needed.

General Expectations

This position provides services supported through public funding. Duties, schedules, shift assignments, and work locations may change based on business needs. Regular, reliable, predictable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of relevant environmental, recycling, waste management, compliance, or related experience are required.

An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences or a related field and five (5) to eight (8) years of relevant environmental, recycling, waste management, compliance, or related experience are preferred.

SWANA (or equivalent) Certified Landfill Operator certification and 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification are preferred.

A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.

Experience may be substituted for education. Education may be substituted for experience.

This position requires successful completion of a post-offer TB test.