Air Quality Specialist Trainee - Environmental Trainee

THE POSITION

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 your fellow Pennsylvanian's breathe every day? If so, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may have the position for you! We are eager to welcome an versatile and dependable Air Quality Specialist Trainee to join our team of professionals within the Southwest Regional Office.

Here, you will learn how to conduct sampling, compliance monitoring, and enforcement duties to ensure facilities within the Commonwealth remain compliant with the Air Pollution 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.

As an Air Quality Specialist Trainee, you will learn how to conduct inspection and compliance activities within the region on commercial and industrial facilities. Duties will involve planning and implementing an inspection schedule for sources under permit and those on the compliance monitoring schedule. You will learn how to conduct inspections of control equipment and air pollution sources to ensure compliance with permit conditions, department regulations, and applicable federal regulations.

You will further have the opportunity to 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. Additional assignments will entail learning how to collect fuel samples, volatile organic compound samples, coal samples, and other samples as required to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.

You will also learn how to monitor asbestos and demolition notifications and projects as necessary.

• Full‑time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• Travel is required to conduct site visits.
• Telework:
  You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part‑time, and report to the office a minimum of 1 day 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.
• Salary:
  Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $45,907.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

• 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.

• 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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and…