Environmental Health Specialist (Compliance Specialist III)

Environmental Health Specialist (Compliance Specialist III); Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson County Government in Olathe, KS seeks an Environmental Health Specialist to support solid waste compliance and enforcement, permitting, and sustainability initiatives. The role covers investigations, inspections, and program support within the Department of Health and Environment.

Preferred candidates hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Natural Sciences and have 5–8 years of experience, with certifications like HAZWOPER. Valid driver’s license and TB testing required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant environmental, recycling, waste management, compliance, or related experience are required.
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record is required.
• Post-offer TB test must be completed successfully.
• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or related field is preferred (5–8 years experience).
• SWANA Certified Landfill Operator certification and 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Solid Waste Compliance & Enforcement: supports compliance with Solid Waste Code and regulations; investigates complaints and ordinances violations; conducts inspections; documents findings; guides on complex cases.
• Permitting & Hauler Oversight: manages permitting and compliance for residential solid waste haulers; reviews apps; conducts inspections; maintains records; addresses non-compliance.
• Waste Assistance & Green Business Program: manages Waste Assistance/Green Business; works with businesses, schools, nonprofits on recycling, waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and transportation goals; maintains certifications and reports.
• Solid Waste Planning: supports annual and five-year plan updates; provides administrative support; participates in committees and regional initiatives.
• Technical Assistance & Public Outreach: provides information and technical assistance to residents and businesses; prepares reports; supports public meetings and campaigns.
• Environmental Records & Emergency Response: prepares environmental records for KORA requests; may respond to emergencies and spills; supports investigations.
• Professional & Program Support: stays updated on emerging waste technologies and regulations; provides additional program support as needed.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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

Job Responsibilities

• Solid Waste Compliance & 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

Job Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements

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

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

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

Preferred Job Requirements

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.

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