Water Appropriation – Environmental Scientist

Overview

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

This position will remain posted until filled.

Location: This position is located at the Garden City Field Office in Finney County, Kansas.

Job Summary:

This position will work directly with the KDA-DWR Water Commissioner and other agency staff to monitor and support a variety of water projects in Southwest Kansas.

Duties and Responsibilities included, but not limited to:

Work with a diverse team of technical staff both in the field, in the office in Southwest Kansas and at Manhattan Headquarters.
Conduct water right inspections in the field to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to collect data used to certify water rights.
Prepare reports, maps, and drawings to assist in decision making by DWR Water Commissioners and the Chief Engineer.
Use technical equipment such as global positioning system devices and ultrasonic water flowmeters.
Assist water users and the public with the filing of water use data, application forms, maps, plats, and other associated documents.
Communicate directly with water users and the public regarding their water rights and regulatory requirements.
Conduct remote sensing utilizing GIS and other related computer software.
Research historical DWR documents to determine water right development.
Prepare notices and orders to ensure water right compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and any combination of the following equal to one year experience and/or education: environmental science, physical sciences, biological sciences, geology, hydrogeology, mathematics and/or engineering.
Ability to deal with confrontation when necessary.
Excellent public speaking skills and generally be comfortable talking with a large group of people.
Oral and written communication skills are essential.
Field work may expose this position to extremes of temperature, high voltage of electrical equipment, and equipment including drive shafts and belts.
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 Requirement (Not Required):

Knowledge of agriculture, water systems and Kansas Water Law.  Preference is given for someone with previous knowledge of the KWAA and water rights.
Courses or work experience in hydraulics, hydrology, geology, natural resource management, agricultural, or earth science preferred.

Compensation:

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

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