Environmental Health Specialist (Compliance Specialist III)

Johnson County Government; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 59,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson County Government is seeking an Environmental Health Specialist (Compliance Specialist III) in Olathe, KS. This role focuses on solid waste compliance, permitting for haulers, and supporting sustainability initiatives across businesses, schools, and communities.

Responsibilities include inspections, reporting, and public outreach, with emphasis on regulatory compliance and environmental record-keeping. A post-offer TB test is required and a valid driver's license is essential.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Manages permitting and compliance activities for residential solid waste haulers, including reviewing applications, inspections, complaints, records, and non-compliance issues.
• Supports annual and five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updates and participates in internal and external committees and regional initiatives.
• Provides information and technical assistance to residents, businesses, developers, other County agencies, and partner jurisdictions; prepares technical reports and supports public meetings and outreach.
• Prepares environmental records for KORA requests involving hazardous material spills, illegal dumping, and other concerns; may respond to emergencies and assist investigations.
• Keeps knowledge up-to-date on emerging solid waste technologies and regulations; provides additional program support as needed.

Job description

Position Title

Environmental Health Specialist (Compliance Specialist III)

Job Details

• Location: US-KS-Olathe
• Job ID: 2026-3959
• Category: Healthcare, Welfare, and Social Services
• Benefits Category: Full Time - Regular (Full Benefits)
• Remote: No
• Salary Min: USD $28.49/Hr.
• Salary Max: USD $42.73/Hr.
• Organizational Unit: Department of Health and Environment
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
• Driving Status: Intermediate (5%-25%)

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

• 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.

Application Review Date

First review of applications will begin on September 9, 2026.

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.