Biologist Contractor Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $82,558.00 - $149,780.00 Annually
Location : Wastewater Treatment 2305 E 57th St S, KS
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: Section Eng - Wastewater Treat
Department: Public Works and Utilities
Division: PWU Sewer Treatment
Opening Date: 03/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 1000
The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.
Distinguishing Features of Work
The Wastewater Process Engineer is responsible for performing a variety of advanced level professional engineering duties for the City of Wichita's Wastewater Treatment Division, with emphasis on the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) treatment processes at three treatment plants. The position is responsible for optimizing, identifying and investigating problems, and developing solutions for complex chemical and biological systems, as well as reviewing wastewater process, quality, and flow data to validate treatment process and operational decisions. The position will also be involved in planning and/or pilot testing for water reuse projects which could culminate in Direct Potable Reuse.
Work is performed with considerable independence within a generally defined scope. The position may be responsible for some administrative tasks and may supervise lower-level exempt and/or non-exempt staff. Work is directed and reviewed through the establishment of goals and subsequent evaluation of progress towards goal attainment.
Workdays and Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Bargaining Unit: Employee Council
**Posting may close at any time **
Examples of Work Performed

• Ensures efficient and compliant operation of the BNR plants, conveyance systems, biosolids handling and disposal, and reduction of malodorous compounds by reviewing wastewater treatment processes and facility designs and standard operating procedures, gathering data, analyzing new and existing systems, and directing projects for improvement.
• Evaluates process technologies, develops and directs testing from jar testing to pilot testing.
• Identifies and investigates problems such as BNR process upsets, odors, and industrial discharges, and advises division staff on physical, biological, and chemical processes to maximize wastewater process operation efficiency and meet permit requirements.
• Monitors and analyzes operator reports, energy and chemical usage data, and lab data from the on-site lab and from contracted labs, and establishes the need and plan for collecting additional data as needed.
• Conducts analyses of conveyance and influent pump station flow reports to characterize conveyance system performance under normal and emergency conditions; advise on metering and instrumentation equipment needs, interacting with technology and operations.
• Manages the development and implementation of large-scale planning and modeling efforts and complex engineering projects for the Wastewater Treatment division with emphasis on compliance and value engineering; serves as engineering liaison with other PW&U divisions, consultants, and outside agencies.
• Consults with project managers and engineering design firms in selection of new treatment processes, methods, and means of implementation. Oversees selection and management of engineering consultant contractors, and coordinates work with project stakeholders, government agencies, contractors, and consultants.
• Analyzes new or proposed legislation or regulations to determine impact on program operations or ability to achieve permit compliance.
• Performs data control activities; proofreads and reviews process data reports to ensure accuracy of data entered; balances values and makes necessary corrections or adjustments.
• Serves as a resource to other staff, external stakeholders, vendors, and consultants regarding the City's BNR treatment plant processes.

• Completion of work assignments may 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

• Thorough knowledge of wastewater engineering and design, treatment processes, flow monitoring, and their application to a wide variety of treatment facility projects.
• Thorough knowledge of BNR processes; process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Considerable knowledge of project development, scheduling, and management.
• Understanding of the principles and practices of public administration, legislative and local government operation, budget management, and contract management.
• Understanding of key performance indicators and continuous improvement drivers related to wastewater treatment.
• Understanding of the concepts of risk management, facility resilience, and business continuity.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of data processing, data entry and retrieval techniques, and ability to use engineering computer software applications, wastewater treatment simulation models, and water information management systems (WIMS) platforms.
• Understanding of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to wastewater permits and environmental protection, including the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

• Ability to read and interpret building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and system control plans with information printed as small as twenty characters per inch.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, climb steps or ladders, and tolerate environmental nuisances associated with wastewater environments.
• Must possess manual dexterity to use equipment, see and read printed material with or without vision aids, physical ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds and be able to bend, stoop, walk, and reach overhead.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
• Must obtain certification as a Class IV Wastewater operator, issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), within two years of hire.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training
Required Experience and Training

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Environmental Engineering, and/or Chemical Engineering
• Two (2) years of experience in the design of wastewater treatment systems.
• Must be eligible to obtain a Kansas Professional Engineer (PE) license within one (1) year of hire. Candidates who currently hold a PE license in another state obtained by examination may be appointed, provided Kansas licensure is obtained within one (1) year of employment.
• A valid Driver's License.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

• Certification as a Class IV Wastewater operator, issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), or an equivalent certification issued by another state agency.
• Certificate of Licensure as a Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas.
• Two (2) years of design, construction, and/or wastewater operational experience.

Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.
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:
CITY OF WICHITA
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
1. VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.
2. HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.
3. SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.
4. HEALTH INSURANCE - UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.
5. DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered - Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.
6.LIFE INSURANCE - Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.
7.SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE - Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.
8. LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE- The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.
9.VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT - Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.
10.RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.
11.FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.
12. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE - This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.
13.MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES
Deferred Compensation Investment Program
Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)
Bereavement Pay
Employee Emergency Assistance Fund
Voluntary Shared Leave Program
Training Programs
Longevity Pay
Credit Union
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Injury Leave (on-job injury)
Community Volunteer Events
01
I have a Bachelor's degree or higher in:

• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• My Bachelor's degree or higher is not in any of the above fields
• I do not have a Bachelor's degree or higher.

02
I have the following experience with the design, construction, and/or wastewater operation.

• Less than 1 year experience
• 1 to 3 years of experience
• 3 to 7 years of experience
• 8 - 11 years of experience
• 12+ years of experience
• I do not have experience with the design, construction, and/or wastewater operation.

03
I have the following years of experience in the design of wastewater treatment systems.

• Less than 6 months experience
• 6 months - 1 year experience
• 2 - 3 years' experience
• 4+ years' experience
• I do not have any experience in the design of wastewater treatment systems.

04
This position requires you to be a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas. Please identify your current status.

• I am currently registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas.
• I currently hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license in another state and am eligible to obtain a Kansas PE license within one (1) year of hire.
• I do not currently hold a PE license, but I am eligible and able to obtain a Kansas PE license within one (1) year of hire.
• I am not currently registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Kansas, and I am not willing or able to obtain this license within 1 year of hire.

05
Do you have a Class IV Wastewater operator, issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) or do you hold a reciprocal large system operator certification from another state?

• Yes
• No

06
I have a valid driver's license.

• Yes
• No

07
I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Yes
• No

Required Question