Planning and Data Specialist

Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas; On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid leave and holidays

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Kansas Department of Health and Environment seeks a BOA staff meteorologist to support meteorological analysis, data requirements, and modeling for air quality programs. You will gather data, analyze it, and prepare documentation for NAAQS and related projects.

Responsibilities include dispersion modeling support, related reviews, and collaboration with universities and stakeholders, plus developing smoke outlooks and updates for internal and external use.

Qualifications

• Four years’ experience in meteorology or atmospheric science.
• Strong data analysis and writing skills.
• Knowledge of air pollution or environmental pollution management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze meteorological data for state planning and SIPs.
• Assist in dispersion and meteorological modeling.
• Create smoke outlooks and updates for KDHE and neighboring states.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Statistical analysis

Education

High School/GED

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Job description

Job Posting closes: September 07, 2026

Required documents uploaded by: September 07, 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.

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. KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position.

E-verify: 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. For additional information regarding E-Verify, For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER)

http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/

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 rate: $25.94-$28.59
• 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

Position (K0247840)

Serve as a BOA staff meteorologist. Assist all BOA sections in any work needed on meteorological analysis or data requirements such as modeling, wind roses, back/forward trajectories, etc. Gather any necessary data, analyze and develop exceptional event documentation for the Bureau when needed for any NAAQS pollutant. Duties may pertain to national ambient air quality standards, regional haze, greenhouse gas emissions, and other issues.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Gather and perform statistical or other analysis of air and meteorological data for State Implementation Plans and other relevant planning documents or projects. Examples of such data could include special air emissions inventory studies/surveys; review and comment on air quality or meteorological studies performed by EPA, Regional Planning Organizations and others; assist in application and review of dispersion modeling, mobile modeling, meteorological modeling; provide training and support of facility information and emissions within bureau databases. Manages, revises, and helps implement the Kansas Smoke Management Plan. Meets with representatives at Kansas State University, BOA management, and other stakeholders to update and maintain the ksfire.org website. Creates smoke outlooks based on current and future meteorology and expected burning to be shared with KDHE and neighboring states to use as a decision tool. Create weekly Flint Hills Wildland Fire Updates during the March and April burn season. Meets with vendors and manages contracts to produce smoke forecasts and burning summaries during spring burning season.

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:
  • Four year’s experience in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science. Four years of experience in a relevant area may be substituted as determined relevant by the agency.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Four years’ experience in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science. Four years of experience in performing meteorological data analyst.
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
  • Technical writing skills
  • Data analysis skills
  • Knowledge of air pollution or other environmental pollution management.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
  • Experience performing meteorological data analysis and forecasts.
  • Experience or education in smoke management practices.
  • Experience in an environmental program/project area.

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.