Distinguishing Features of Work

Step into a pivotal role at the City of Wichita, where your expertise drives tangible environmental improvements across our community. As a Senior Environmental Specialist in Public Works & Utilities, you will lead programs that protect air and water quality, reduce ozone-forming emissions, and advance sustainability initiatives citywide. This position goes beyond routine environmental management—it empowers you to shape impactful policy, coordinate multi-stakeholder projects, and facilitate community engagement that produces measurable outcomes. Your work ensures the City not only meets regulatory standards but also elevates public health, conservation efforts, and environmental awareness, making you a valued contributor to Wichita’s long-term sustainability and resilience.

Workdays and Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Anticipated starting salary: $61,184.00 - $84,984.00 (based on experience and qualifications)

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

**Posting may close at any time **

Examples of Work Performed

Develops, coordinates, and tracks implementation of programs for pollution prevention and control or conservation of natural resources.
May coordinate and review the work of others, giving direction and advice on complex problems.
Collaborates with internal and external partners to develop and implement marketing strategies, plans and budgets for alternative funding sources.
Conducts needs analysis, surveys, and other approaches to information gathering for better understanding of stakeholder goals and desires.
Plans and coordinates education and promotional events with a focus on reducing ozone forming emissions.
Promotes the development of special program options among commercial, industrial, and other community organizations.
Researches and identifies sources of grant funding, writes grant applications, and manages grants.
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with other City departments, are communities including local governments, economic development agencies, and other stakeholders to support air quality initiatives geared towards reducing ozone.
Works with related boards and committees to support air quality initiatives.
Prepares reports and proposals, analysis, statistics, and makes recommendations for assigned programs.
Composes and delivers oral and written presentations to professional and lay groups, including press release and on-camera media events: coordinates print material, and maintains assigned websites including social media sites.
Facilitates work groups focused on the implementation of environmental programming.
May conduct field investigations, utilizing analytical field instruments.
Completion of work assignments will require operation of a vehicle.
These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements of Work

Knowledge or the principles and techniques of marketing and promotion
Knowledge of scientific principles related to natural resources, and the character and effects of pollution.
Ability to apply scientific principles to control atmospheric, surface water, and ground water discharges when necessary.
Ability to conduct research, analyzes, summarize and report findings.
Ability to effectively plan, organize, and implement complex plans including establishing and managing performance metrics to meet needs.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with regulators, associates, management, representatives of other organizations, City officials and the public.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
Public Works & Utilities is responsible for the operation of many critical systems, such as water and wastewater treatment, the City’s transportation network, and more. Therefore, PW&U employees are the first responders in many emergency situations. When an emergency is declared by the Department Director, or designee, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response, or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.
An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training

Required Experience and Training

Two (2) years of experience in community program development, stakeholder engagement, or environmental communication.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Natural Science, Physical Science or Environmental Health.
Two (2) years of experience managing ozone reduction, pollution prevention, or sustainability programs.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

City of Wichita jobs

Senior Environmental Specialist