Tick Surveillance Technician

If you have experience or are interested in entomology, biology, ecology, veterinary, or related field and are interested in performing field work, learning more about ticks and their preferred environments, and enjoy being outdoors, consider applying for this unique field entomology position with KDHE!

This position will work 40 hours a week May to September and not go over 999 / year.

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: May 12th, 2026

Required documents uploaded by: May 12th, 2026

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9. KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position.

E-Verify: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

About the Position

Who can apply: Anyone (External)

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time, the position is allowed up to 999 hours per year max

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Work Schedule: Flexible, Monday-Friday

Eligible to Receive Benefits: No

Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Sponsorship: KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position.

Compensation:

• Hourly Pay Range: $15.00 - $20.00
• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Internship Summary & Responsibilities

Internship Project Duties:

The internship position (K0247331)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking an Intern to join our Internship Program in the Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics located in our Curtis State Office Building for the Summer.

Conducts active, on-site tick surveillance in predetermined counties of interest using standard tick drag method of surveillance and/or dry ice trapping. The employee will be trained in standard field collection methods and will work independently and with entomologist, SPHV, and/or epidemiologist as necessary to conduct tick surveillance on publicly owned properties across the state, such as along trails in parks and other natural areas as designated. The employee will collect data variables as determined by supervisor including but not limited to site name, date, time, temperature, humidity, distance dragged, and collection method. Employee will be responsible for trip planning to surveillance locations, maintenance of surveillance equipment and supplies, sample handling and labeling, and data entry of above variables.

Employee will utilize proper personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of acquiring a vector-borne disease.

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

Program support activities including but not limited to inventory and storage of supplies, proper maintenance and cleaning of field vehicle, data management and dissemination as appropriate. Employee is expected to have some interaction with the public, especially when conducting field sampling, as this will all be on public property.

Qualifications

• Education:
• Licensing & Certification:
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience in the fields of biology, ecology, entomology, parasitology, or similar related field.
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in tick surveillance or similar field work
• Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
  • State of Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate. The successful applicant (even non-residents) must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website within 10 days of the date the applicant has been offered the employment position. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact (785) 296-3199. Visit the Tax Clearance site for more information on and where to obtain this Kansas Department of Revenue document.
• Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Kyle Sanders

Email: kyle.sanders@ks.gov

Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 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

• Resume
• 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 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.