Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Are you ready to join a dedicated team working to protect the health of Pennsylvania’s residents and the quality of our environment? If so, consider the opportunity to become a Water Quality Specialist Trainee within the Department of Environmental Protection’s Oil and Gas Operations. This role is an excellent entry point for those eager to build a meaningful career in environmental protection while developing expertise in water quality management. Bring your passion for safeguarding natural resources into a role that truly makes a difference—apply today.

Environmental Trainees participate in a 12-month, hands-on training program designed to prepare them for careers as environmental inspectors in a specialized field. Throughout the program, trainees receive extensive on-the-job instruction, learn to apply relevant regulations and policies, and work alongside experienced staff during inspections of assigned facilities. Upon completion, trainees may advance into roles such as Safe Drinking Water Inspector, Storage Tanks Inspector, Wastewater Treatment Plant Inspector, Air Quality Inspector, and other key positions that help protect Pennsylvania’s environment and public health.

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 upon successful completion of training period. 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 Knox. 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 $45,907.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
  

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.

Veterans: 

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. 

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.