Environmental Engineering Trainee

Are you searching for a career where you can apply your engineering skills to real projects that help protect community water systems? The Environmental Engineering Trainee position with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) gives you an exciting start to a meaningful career in the field of engineering. You will learn how to evaluate public water systems, support technical reviews, and help protect safe drinking water throughout the northwest region of the Commonwealth.

This role allows you to grow your skills through hands‑on training and real‑world projects. Do not miss this opportunity to make a strong impact while developing your engineering knowledge.

Within this role, you will participate in a one-year training program to learn the duties of an Environmental Engineering Specialist. This position assists with engineering reviews, inspections, and consultations that support the Safe Drinking Water and Water Allocation Programs. It combines technical learning with hands‑on field work and guided decision‑making. As an Environmental Engineering Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Inspections: Inspect new or modified public water supplies to review construction, design, and compliance
• Permit Reviews: Evaluate construction permits, engineering plans, and specifications for public water systems
• Technical Assistance: Provide engineering guidance during field visits and help resolve operations issues
• Compliance Support: Review documents, issue field orders, and participate in enforcement actions when needed
• Water System Guidance: Assist communities with water system improvements, funding needs, and technical questions
• Program Coordination: Participate in meetings, trainings, and collaborative work that supports statewide drinking water programs

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full‑time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• This position requires travel.
• 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.
  
  Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $67,658.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of engineering experience and possession of an active Engineering Intern certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists;
  or
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 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 possess and maintain a REAL  passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• 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.