Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

About the role

Join the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as an Air Quality Specialist Trainee and play a key role in safeguarding public health. Within this 12-month trainee position, you will receive formal and on-the-job training to learn the specialized duties of an Air Quality Specialist. Your work will focus on evaluating industrial facilities, supporting clean air initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the southwest region to promote safer communities and stronger environmental standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections at industrial facilities to verify adherence to air quality requirements.
• Investigate air pollution complaints and prepare documentation for follow-up actions.
• Review emission inventory data and update facility information in eFACTS and Air Information Management System (AIMS).
• Monitor stack tests and collect samples to support compliance determinations.
• Evaluate asbestos notifications and inspect demolition or removal operations.
• Document violations, assist in enforcement actions, and participate in meetings with facility representatives.

Schedule

Full-time employment with work hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, including a 30-minute lunch. Travel is required. You may have the opportunity to telework part-time, reporting to the office one day per month. Telework requires a securely configured high-speed internet connection and an approved location within Pennsylvania. If unable to telework, you will report to the headquarters office in New Stanton. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Pay

Selected candidates new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin at an annual salary of $46,827.00 (before taxes).

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 within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree will be considered to have met the educational requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• Must meet Pennsylvania residency requirements.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.