Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Agency Information:

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is an executive branch agency in charge of operating and regulating the use of state parks, state lakes, recreational grounds, wildlife areas and sanctuaries, fish hatcheries, natural areas, historic sites and other lands, waters, and facilities for the promotion of public health, safety, and for the use and pleasure of visitors. The agency is also charged with the development and conservation of wildlife and the natural resources within the state. The agency oversees 29 state parks, 500 miles of trails, approximately 460,301 acres of leased or owned public lands, management of four hatcheries, and four nature centers.

To meet our mission, projects, and goals, KDWP employs approximately 466 full time employees and up to 350 temporary employees, throughout the state, with diverse and varying skillsets. The largest agency office is the Operational Headquarters in Pratt, Kansas. The Office of the Secretary is maintained in Topeka, Kansas. There are three Regional Offices located in Topeka, Wichita, and Hays; three District Offices in Kansas City, Chanute, and Dodge City; and a Research Office located in Emporia, Kansas. Various wildlife, public land, and parks offices are located across the state.

KDWP has an annual budget of $110 million for Fiscal Year 2024. The agency is primarily funded through license fees, grants and federal funds that are provided through the Pitman Roberts and Dingle Johnson Acts.

About the Position

Who can apply: Anyone

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Search Keywords: Legislative, Topeka, Shawnee

Compensation: $75,000 - $84,000 annual salary

• Salary commensurate with education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

Immediate 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 unclassified, full-time position is located in the Office of the Secretary, Topeka, KS and is directly supervised by the Chief of Staff.

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

• Responsible for representing the department, cultivating relationships and providing constituent services to all governmental stakeholders.
• Stakeholders include local, state, and federal policymakers as well as key officials, policymakers and related governmental bodies and leaders.
• Represents the department at the Kansas state legislature in Topeka, with staff/officials in other state agencies, and federal and local officials as needed.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Licensing & Certification: A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a background check are required.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate to technical and nontechnical audiences. Interpersonal and collaborative skills. Proven track record of analyzing, finding solutions, and delivering results. High level of personal integrity, as well as the ability to professionally handle confidential matters, and show an appropriate level of judgement and maturity.

Preferred Qualifications: Five years of experience in public or government relations or in a legislative environment preferred. Experience working with state and local elected leaders and a working knowledge of the legislative process. Knowledge of department activities and mission is preferred as well as a passion for the outdoors and conservation.

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Laverne Taylor

Email: laverne.taylor@ks.gov

Phone: 620-672-0704

Job Application Process

HOW TO APPLY: Go to the State Employment Center at https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center and follow the directions below:

• Click in the middle under the Sunflower. From there either Sign into your existing account or Register for a new account.
• Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page. Please make sure to include your email address.
• Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
• Complete and Submit your application.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email - the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.
  • Notifications - view the Careers>My Job Notifications page

The following are the required items to apply:

1) a letter of interest

2) a detailed resume; including a valid e-mail address

3) transcript material, if applicable, (copies of official transcripts or unofficial student copies are acceptable as long as degree is conferred)

4) employment application -this is generated automatically based on the information input into the system

5) an Authorization to Release Information form** (this can be found at the following website): https://www.ksoutdoors.com/news/KDWP-Info/Jobs/Employment-Application-Additional-Info

**Please note, this form must either be witnessed and signed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public. We reserve the right to conduct a background check on all qualified applicants.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. A complete application packet must be submitted for each position. We no longer make copies of previous applications. Submitted application materials will be reviewed in Pratt to assure that the position minimum requirements are met, and those meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the respective division for interview selection.

Applicants are notified whether or not they are selected to interview. The interview is generally a one-time, panel interview consisting of position-specific questions for all applicants (same questions for each applicant), with the selection being made after all candidate interviews are completed.

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

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law.

If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions