Environmental Scientist

Agency Information: Kansas Department of Agriculture

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. The agency has a balanced approach to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and Kansas economy while promoting and advocating for the agriculture industry, the state's largest industry, employer, and economic contributor. KDA helps to ensure a safe food supply, protects natural resources, promotes public health and safety, protects animal health, and provides consumer protection to the best of our ability.

Kansas Department of Agriculture: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Full-Time
• Work Schedule: Days (8am to 5pm)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veteran Preference Eligible: Yes
• Disability Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation:

• Annual Salary: $55,000 per year
• Hourly Pay: $26.44 per hour
• 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:

This position will remain posted until filled.

Location: Topeka Field Office – Topeka, KS

Job Summary:

• Work with a diverse team of technical staff in our field offices and headquarters.
• Conduct water right inspections in the field to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and collect data used to certify water rights.
• Prepare reports, maps, and drawings used to assist in decision making by DWR Water Commissioners and the Chief Engineer.
• Use technical equipment such as global positioning system devices, ultrasonic water flowmeters, and stream gaging equipment.
• Assist in the administration and distribution of surface water and groundwater in eastern Kansas, including enforcement of minimum desirable streamflow requirements.
• Assist water users and the public with filing water use data, completing application forms, maps, plats, and other associated documents.
• Communicate directly with water users, government officials, heads of industries or corporations, public water supply systems and the public regarding water rights and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize GIS computer software to prepare maps and analyze data.
• Conduct water level measurements in wells to monitor and evaluate the status of the groundwater resource.
• Research historical documents to determine water right development.
• Prepare notices and orders to ensure water right compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Professionally minded individuals with four years experience in environmental science, physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics and/or engineering. Candidates may also qualify through a combination of relevant education, work experience, training or certification.
• Capable of performing outdoor assignments for long hours in extreme temperatures during summer/winter.
• Good oral and written communication skills are essential.
• Employee must have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver's license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

• Knowledge of the Kansas Water Appropriation Act and water rights preferred.
• Courses or work experience in hydraulics, hydrology, geology, natural resource management, agricultural, or earth science preferred.

Post-Offer/Pre-employment Requirements:

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's (KDOR) website at .

If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at or by email at

Recruiter Contact Information:

• Name: Alyssa Satterthwaite
• Email:
• Phone:
• Fax:
• Mailing Address: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete:

• On the My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and replace if needed.
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran's Preference)
• Inside your Job Application, upload these documents:
• Resume (or choose existing resume if you have one)
• Cover Letter

Job Application Process

• Sign in to your existing