Geology Associate

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Coordinator for Drinking Water Protection Program Facilitation with Communities. The Drinking Water Protection Program will develop resources, tools, and guidance for Kansas public water supplies to actively restore and protect drinking water sources. Incumbents will plan, develop, and coordinate the actions of a statewide DWPP technical committee made up of scientists, managers, elected officials, and landowners. Responsible for coordination of the activities of multiple local DWPP projects: (A) With supervisor oversight, advise local stakeholders through professional observations and judgments necessary to identify environmental improvements to drinking water quality;

(B) Evaluate groundwater conditions and hazard potentials to determine feasibility, location, and safe and economic development of projects; (C) Prepare and/or review hydrogeologic studies of subsurface information to recommend surface changes and educate local officials and stakeholder groups providing a scientific basis to make final decisions of a technical nature to recommend corrective action, and to evaluate project performance over time;

(D) Review contract plans and bids to ensure that work plans are consistent with the geologic conditions or standards; (E) Communicate and coordinate assistance to local stakeholders and external partners regarding DWPP principles, objectives and methodologies; (F) Facilitate cooperation, knowledge and resources from public water supply watershed stakeholders.

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

• Project manager for Drinking Water Protection Program projects. Assess ground and surface water movement in order to provide advice regarding contaminated drinking water supplies.
• Participate in review and evaluation of a geological survey for design, construction, maintenance and remediation projects for Public Water Supplies who participate in WMS DWPP.
• Prepare detailed subsurface investigations, mapping, plan profiles, cross sections, and complex hydrogeological reports.
• Review well construction information, interact with consultants to negotiate remediation work, and inform supervisors of all pertinent aspects of the project.
• Interpret data for government officials, industry and the public at public meetings, and coordinate with the Public Water Supply Section regarding the Capacity Development Program.
• Develop and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of State and Federal statutes, regulations, water quality criteria, EPA drinking water guideline standards.
• Advise on administrative or regulatory actions required.

Education: High School or GED.

Licensing & Certification: Valid driver’s license for operating a state vehicle, private vehicle or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Minimum Qualifications: Four years of experience in geology, hydrogeology, earth science, geoscience or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced education in geology, hydrogeology, earth science, or related field.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with groundwater assessment and remediation planning.
• Experience interpreting data for watershed‑based decisions.
• Experience working with local communities and stakeholders.
• Experience working with ArcGIS.
• Project management experience.

• Pay Range: $27.89 per hour (salary can vary depending on education, experience, or qualifications).

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage.
• Sick day and vacation leave.
• Work‑life balance programs: parental, military, jury, and funeral leave.
• Paid state holidays.
• Fitness centers in select locations.
• Employee discounts through the STAR Program.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs.
• Access to Employee Benefits page for more information.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with I‑9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position.

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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.