Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

About the role

The Environmental Trainee position with the Department of Environmental Protection offers a strong start for individuals who want to learn how to safeguard Pennsylvania's land and waterways. This role provides hands-on training that prepares you to support environmental investigations and compliance efforts. You will work with experienced staff who will guide you through field activities, sampling procedures, and inspection work. This is an excellent opportunity to build practical skills and make a meaningful impact on the environment.

Description of work

This position focuses on learning the responsibilities of a Water Quality Specialist through a combination of formal instruction and field training. As an Environmental Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Inspection: Conduct inspections of oil and gas sites to compare onsite conditions with permit requirements
• Complaint Response: Investigate reports of environmental concerns and collect field samples for analysis
• Data Interpretation: Review scientific results to help determine environmental impacts and case findings
• Enforcement Support: Assist with notifications, documentation, and preparation for enforcement actions
• Plan Review: Examine environmental plans submitted by operators to ensure compliance with laws
• Spill Investigation: Document spills or releases through sampling, photographs, and detailed reporting

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.

Requirements

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• 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.

Schedule

• 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. 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 Coal Center. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.

Pay

Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827 (before taxes).