Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Join the Department of Environmental Protection as a Water Quality Specialist Trainee and begin a career that supports the protection of community health and natural resources. This role provides structured training that helps you build important skills while learning how storage tank systems are inspected and monitored. You will gain valuable experience in environmental investigations, data review, and compliance work. This position offers a strong foundation for future growth in environmental protection.

Responsibilities

• Data Entry: Input and update information in electronic systems to meet quality standards
• Report Review: Examine inspection reports and identify issues related to compliance
• Facility Inspection: Assist in inspecting storage tank sites to determine compliance with regulations
• Complaint Follow-up: Help investigate concerns about tank removals, installations, discharges, and releases
• Sample Handling: Collect and transport water and soil samples for testing purposes
• Enforcement Support: Document violations and assist with case summaries and notices

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) part-time, up to 3 days per week. 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 Meadville. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

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).

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.

Qualifications

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.