Job ID: 214857

Location: Shawnee County

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Agency: Kansas Water Office

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes:  Open Until Filled

Agency Information:  

The Kansas Water Office (KWO) was established in 1981 as the water planning, policy, coordination and marketing agency for the state. The primary statutory function of the agency is the development and implementation of the Kansas Water Plan. State law requires the Kansas Water Office to “Formulate on a continuing basis a comprehensive State Water Plan for the management, conservation and development of the water resources of the state”. KWO in coordination with the KWA, also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation to ensure water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans.

About the Position

Who can apply:  Anyone

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation: $53,000-$58,000

* 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 Summary:  

This position works and coordinates with Kansas Water Office (KWO) staff and other water-related agencies to develop strategic plans for addressing priority issues identified in the Kansas Water Plan related to assigned regions or resource concerns. Directs and coordinates the work of interagency teams of technical staff to develop and implement water resource issue action plans.  Prepares various technical reports, conducts outreach programs to help improve understanding of Kansas water issues and offers education on potential ways to mitigate issues. This position will also work with the KWO staff, other agency partners and producers to promote the adoption of water management methods based upon specific regional challenges.

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

Regional Planning Area Coordination:

Coordinates with local, state and federal agencies and organizations in assigned Regional Planning Area(s) on a wide variety of water-related projects and activities.  Work includes review of various technical documents and project plans, and participation at various meetings and events. 

Kansas Water Plan Coordination:

Works and coordinates with Kansas Water Office (KWO) staff and other water-related agencies to develop strategic plans for addressing priority issues identified in the Kansas Water Plan related to assigned regions or resource concerns. Directs and coordinates the work of interagency teams of technical staff to develop and implement water resource issue action plans.  Prepares various technical reports.  Ability to initiate and move plans forward is essential, as are strong communication and teamwork skills. 

Water Innovation Program Development, Education, and Outreach Support: Conducts outreach programs to help improve understanding of Kansas water issues, especially priority issues identified in the Kansas Water Plan, and offers education on potential ways to mitigate issues. Works with Planning & Outreach Lead and the Statewide Education Coordinator by assisting with presentations, helps prepare water education lessons, and helps prepare conference education displays. Provides/facilitates outreach opportunities to the assigned Regional Planning Area(s) that may include, but not limited to, indoor and outdoor water education programs, classroom lessons for all ages, presentations for civic groups, nonprofits, boards, and other work groups, and participation in tabling events.

Works with the Technology Projects Coordinator to promote the adoption of water management methods and cropping practices amongst agricultural producers based upon specific regional challenges and strategies focused on balancing economic return on investment, measurable water resource conservation, and improving water quality. Acts as a liaison between producers, retailers, Kansas Department of Health and Environment watershed management section, Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Conservation, USDA Service Centers, the KWO, and other stakeholders. Is responsible for recruiting new producers and developing new demonstration farm program participants and helping manage existing farms. Generates reports for each farm as necessary including: data collection, budgeting, and annual reporting. Coordinates with landowners, retailers, research groups, and other sponsors in planning field days and tours.

Qualifications

• Education:  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with an advanced degree with specialization in hydrology, agriculture, hydraulics, engineering, geology, economics, agronomy, environmental & natural resource planning.  Additional experience may be substituted for advanced degree.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Progressively responsible experience in independent engineering, geology, environmental, agricultural or water resources programs is preferred.  Additional education may be substituted for some experience.

Recruiter Contact Information

Name:  Debra Jones

Email:  debra.jones@kwo.ks.gov

Phone: 785-296-0872

Mailing Address: 900 SW Jackson, Ste. 404 Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.

Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.

Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page

Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions”

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers – My Job Applications page

Transcripts

DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents” 

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position.  The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job.  Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

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.