Geology Specialist

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy:

• Job Posting closes: February 5, 2025

Kansas Department of Transportation

At KDOT, we reward our staff’s hard work by providing training opportunities, a family-oriented work environment and service recognition. Promotional opportunities, free parking, and potential hybrid work schedules are also offered. KDOT is a great place to work, so come be part of our team!

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About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes
• Search Keywords: Holton, Oskaloosa, Lawrence, Ottawa, Osage City, Eskridge, Alma, Wamego

Compensation:

• Annual Salary Range: $61,838.40 - $63,510.18
• Hourly Pay Range: $29.73 - $30.53

Employment Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance Programs:
  • Paid Leave: Vacation, Holidays, Parental, Military, Sick, Funeral and Jury Duty
  • Employee Assistance Program
    • For help managing daily life at no cost to you
  • Infant at Work Program
  • Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• First-Day Coverage:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vison Insurance
  • Tax Advantage Accounts: HSA, HRA, FSA with qualifying plans
• Life Insurance:
  • Employer paid basic group life
  • Optional group life insurance available at a reasonable cost.
• Retirement:
  • KPERS and Deferred Compensation
• Other Benefits:
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid on-the-job training programs.
  • Personal and Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employee discounts with the STAR Program
  • And more!

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

Position Summary:

This Geology Specialist position is located in Topeka, at the Eisenhower State Office Building, and is within the Bureau of Structures & Geotechnical Services (BSGS). This position performs field work assigned to the Topeka Regional Geology office in support of the State Highway construction program and accepts temporary assignment to the Regional Geology Offices when project workflow needs are determined by the Supervisor. The temporary assignments provide assistance to the regions in the coordination of technical reports for these activities, as well as assist with the Pile Driving Analyzer, and GPS surveying.

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

• Handles responsibilities for all equipment and power drilling equipment during field operations and assists in the drilling operations.
• Assists in the development of geotechnical reports from data collected, for bridge foundations, general engineering geology, water well construction and maintenance, and bridge deck condition surveys.
• Provides for the care and daily maintenance of core drilling equipment, sampling equipment and testing tools to ensure that the equipment receives proper storage and repair.
• Assists with pavement evaluation functions of the section, including the Annual Network Optimization System (NOS) survey.
• Assists with the mobilization of equipment on instructions from the geologist and senior technician (senior level crew chief).
• Assists in the drafting of geological information from field data acquired for sue with electronic cross-sections and profiles.
• Assists in training of drill crew personnel and is responsible for safety during field operations.

View the full position description

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in geology/hydrogeology/earth science/geoscience or other related field. Transcripts are required for education to be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must have supervisory and report writing skills.
• Some experience in field methods and surveying is beneficial.
• Knowledge of computer applications in word processing, spreadsheets, database and computer aided drafting is desirable.

Education:

• General courses in Civil Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Hydrology and Geophysics would be beneficial along with the required course for the degree in Geology is preferred.

Licensing & Certifications:

• Some positions in the class may require a certificate to practice as an intern geologist in the State of Kansas within two years of appointment.
• Some positions may require working towards obtaining a professional geologist license as recognized by the Kansas Board of Technical Professions to pursue licensure as a geologist.

Post-Offer/Pre-employment Requirements:

• Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. 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 www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx .
  If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov

Recruiter Contact Information:

• Name: Tulsa Wade
• Email: KDOT.HQ.JobApps@ks.gov
• Phone: (785) 296-7242

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers -> “My Account Information” 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 drafted and submitted applications on the Careers -> “My Job Applications” page.
• Check your email and the “My Job Notifications” page for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the “My Account 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"

Optional Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• Transcripts (if substituting education)
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume (or choose existing if you have one)
• Cover Letter

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 determined 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 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

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.