Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

About the role

Start your path in environmental protection with a role that supports cleaner, safer communities! The Solid Waste Specialist Trainee position with the Department of Environmental Protection provides structured learning and real-world training. You will take part in field work, inspections, and problem solving while learning key environmental laws. This opportunity is perfect for someone who enjoys meaningful work with room to advance.

Responsibilities

• Site Inspections: Conduct visits to waste handling facilities and transporters to observe operations and identify issues
• Report Preparation: Record findings from inspections, complete required documentation, and follow data entry procedures
• Complaint Investigation: Respond to waste related concerns from the public and gather information to support corrective action
• Field Surveys: Collect environmental data, review conditions, and prepare written summaries of findings
• Stakeholder Interaction: Communicate with facility operators, staff, and the public regarding environmental requirements
• Safety and Compliance: Follow safety procedures, recognize hazards, and apply environmental rules in daily tasks

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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements

• All positions require 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.

Work Schedule

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Travel is required for site visits.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. You will be required to report 1 day in office per month. 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 Pittsburgh. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.

Pay

Most selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827.00 (before taxes).

Examination Information

• 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 and you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.