Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

THE POSITION

As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will start a learning-focused role that prepares you for future advancement. You will gain experience in environmental inspections, sampling, and working with regulations that safeguard public health. This program gives you the foundation needed to become a confident and effective Water Quality Specialist. It is a strong first step for those who want to make an impact in environmental protection.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports DEP's environmental mission by learning inspection practices, assisting with field investigations, and gaining experience with important laws and procedures. As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Data Entry: Input information into DEP electronic systems while maintaining accuracy and consistency
• Routine Inspections: Assist with inspections of oil and gas sites and document observations using electronic equipment
• Complaint Response: Help investigate citizen concerns by collecting samples and reviewing analytical data
• Regulation Review: Learn to interpret plans, permits, and requirements related to environmental protection laws
• Field Sampling: Collect representative environmental samples and follow proper preservation procedures
• Equipment Care: Maintain DEP issued tools and instruments used during field and investigation work

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in New Stanton. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or
• A bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Re