Graduate Environmental Scientist

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 entry-level environmental science work of a training nature analyzing data, assisting in solving environmental problems, and assisting in routine data collection for projects or program activities. Positions in this class are allocated to one of the following assignments in the Water Department: Aquatic Sciences, Earth Sciences, Biological Sciences, Plant Sciences, Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management, or in the Department of Parks and Recreation in the Plant Sciences or the Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management Assignments only.

Employees in this class learn to use analytic skills to perform select environmental or natural resource science techniques and procedures, analyze data, and carry out sampling plans. Employees assist other technical personnel conducting laboratory and field tests. Work is performed under the direction of a Parks and Recreation Operations Manager in the Parks and Recreation Department assignments or an Environmental Scientist Supervisor, Engineer, or City Planner Supervisor responsible for directing environmental program activities in the Water Department assignments.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer

Requirements

Education

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific field. Qualifying scientific fields include:

• Aquatic Sciences: Aquatic Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Aquatic Toxicology, Limnology, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Oceanography, Wetland Sciences, Wildlife and Fisheries Management
• Biological Sciences: Bacteriology, Biology, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology
• Earth Sciences: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Geosciences, Geology, Geochemistry, Hydrology
• Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management: Forest Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable/Renewable Energy Management, Watershed Management, Wildlife Science
• Plant Sciences: Botany, Forestry, Plant Biology, Plant Taxonomy, Soil Sciences

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.

Preferences

• U.S. Veteran's Preference: Ten points will be added to the scores of eligible veterans. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. 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.
• Preference for Philadelphia Residents: 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.

Notes

• Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.
• 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.
• As a condition of employment, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that they are fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement.
• Candidates will need access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access to take the examination. Candidates will need to be able to operate computerized software proficiently and independently.

Projected exam date: October 1, 2026. An Eligible List will be established the week of October 12, 2026.