The water monitoring group at Kansas Department of Health and Environment seeks to hire a field scientist to support the state's involvement in the National Rivers and Stream Assessment (http://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/riverssurvey/index.cfm) and associated state monitoring programs. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position based in Topeka, KS, with extensive agency sponsored travel. It is a grant supported position with a one year term. Target employment dates are Jan 1-Dec 31, but there is some flexibility.
Frequent overnight travel is required for this position, especially from May through September (typically as one three-day trip per week, every week). Long field days are the norm, but the workweek is limited to 40 hours. Hotel and per diem are reimbursed. The incumbent must be comfortable working in streams and rivers for long periods (in chest waders) and/or operating small boats, and they should be able to lift up to 60 lbs. This individual will work with the team will help transport heavy equipment, often over long distances and/or uneven terrain. The agency places a high priority on safety. However, field work includes use of fish electroshocking equipment and exposure to environmental hazards such as poison ivy, ticks, wild and domestic animals, deep or swift water, and hot or inclement weather.
Field work is intensive and is conducted in a team environment; it includes but is not limited to: Collection of water, algae, macroinvertebrate, and sediment samples; fish sampling and identification; physical habitat assessment; sample collection, preparation, and shipping; data collection and management; operation of a small passenger boat; and driving long distances, sometimes with a trailer. Office and laboratory work includes: preparation of site maps and files; communication with landowners; data management; equipment maintenance; supplies procurement.
The successful candidate will meet requirements for Environmental Specialist job class and have a positive and team-oriented work ethic and general proficiency with fieldwork and quality assurance principles. Candidates must have a driver’s license valid in the state of Kansas to drive a state vehicle. After hire, the agency will provide required training in Defensive Driving and First Aid/CPR/AED.
Please submit applications by October 18. To learn more and apply online, visit https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs and search for posting number 210646 (position K0245299). Direct any questions to recruiter Ashley Webb at Ashley.Webb@ks.gov.