Water Quality Specialist Trainee; Environmental Trainee

Overview

As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will step into a role that helps safeguard the Commonwealth's water quality. This position gives you hands‑on experience with inspections, field work, and regulatory support. It is a great opportunity to build your career while making a positive impact. Become part of a team dedicated to protecting Pennsylvania's natural resources.

In this position, you will participate in a 12‑month training program to learn how to support the regulation of facilities to help protect water quality across the Commonwealth. The work you will do contributes to the Clean Water Program by assisting with inspections, reviews, and field activities. As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Facility Inspections: Inspect sewage and industrial treatment facilities to assess compliance with permits and state requirements.
• Report Review: Examine Discharge Monitoring Reports and record any violations or issues in the appropriate systems.
• Field Sampling: Collect water quality samples and field data using portable testing equipment and submit samples for laboratory analysis.
• Complaint Investigation: Investigate public complaints related to water pollution, nuisance conditions, or potential environmental violations.
• Emergency Response: Assist with emergency incidents involving known and/or non hazardous substances and conduct follow‑up evaluations when needed.
• Documentation Duties: Prepare inspection reports, Notices of Violation, and related correspondence within required time frames.

• 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 Wilkes‑Barre. 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 before taxes.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements

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

Other Requirements

• You must meet the PA residency requirement.
• 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 the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position 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.
• All application materials and…