Air Quality Specialist Trainee; Environmental Trainee

Overview

Do you have a passion for science and a commitment to public health? Would you like to play a role in protecting the air that Pennsylvanians breathe every day? If so, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may have the position for you. We are eager to welcome a versatile and dependable Air Quality Specialist Trainee to join our team of professionals.

Here, you will learn how to conduct sampling, compliance monitoring, and enforcement duties to ensure facilities within the Commonwealth remain compliant with the Air Quality Control Act and the rules and regulations of the department. Apply today to turn your dedication to the environment into a career of impact.

At the Environmental Trainee level, you will participate in a comprehensive 12-month training program in which you will receive increased supervision as well as formal and on-the-job training. This trainee program is designed to equip you with the skills needed to fulfill the duties of an Air Quality Specialist and to effectively implement the goals of the Air Quality Program.

• Learn how to conduct inspection and compliance activities within the region on commercial and industrial facilities.
• Plan and implement an inspection schedule for sources under permit and those on the compliance monitoring schedule.
• Learn how to conduct inspections of control equipment and air pollution sources to ensure compliance with permit conditions, department regulations, and applicable federal regulations.
• Participate in enforcement actions such as investigating air pollution complaints; conducting follow-up inspections to determine the nature and extent of the air pollution problem; and writing Notices of Violation to companies and individuals found to be out of compliance.
• Learn how to collect air samples, fuel samples, volatile organic compound samples, and other samples as required to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.

• 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. Telework is subject to approval, requires a securely configured high-speed internet connection, and an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If telework is not available, you may report to the headquarters office in Bethlehem. Telework availability can change.
• Salary:
  In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email; check your email, including spam/junk folders, for notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field;
  or
• Four years of technical experience 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.

Special Requirement:

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

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for eligibility. Information to support eligibility must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• Pennsylvania law provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to the appropriate page or contact the department.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to…