Graduate Environmental Engineer

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel.

About the role

This is beginning level environmental engineering work. Employees in this class perform assignments of limited but increasing scope and complexity which are intended to develop the knowledge and abilities of the engineer. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher level engineer. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with standard engineering practices and general work instruction. Completed work is used as a basis by others to further engineering projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Hiring bonus of $1,500, paid in two parts:
  • $1,000 after completing three months of satisfactory full-time probationary employment
  • $500 after completing twelve months of satisfactory full-time employment

Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering
• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment, if required by work assignment
• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class
• Candidates must submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations, or certifications at the time of application

Qualifications

Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within nine months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Candidates may not be hired until all requirements have been satisfied. Candidates must indicate their anticipated graduation date.

Residency

• The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment. Establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one year after appointment.
• Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.

Preferences

• U.S. Veteran's Preference: Ten points will be added to the scores of eligible veterans. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.
• Legacy Preference: Ten points will be added to the scores of the children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty.
• National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to 5 points will be added to the score of any candidate who has successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA.
• Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education Preference: Up to 5 points will be added to the score of candidates who have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia within the last three years before the examination announcement date.

Evaluation

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Scores will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. An Eligible List will be established the week of October 5, 2026.

Notes

• Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination.
• Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years.
• As a condition of employment, candidates must certify they are fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts due and owing to the City or Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), or have voluntarily entered into a payment agreement.
• Candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers within 30 days after the results have been mailed to determine if they have been scored correctly.