Safe Drinking Water Inspector; Environmental Trainee

Environmental Trainee Safe Drinking Water Inspector

Are you interested in learning how to contribute to the safety of the water people rely on every day? If so, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is excited to welcome a diligent Environmental Trainee to take on the role of Safe Drinking Water Inspector within the Safe Drinking Water (SDW) Program. Here, you will collaborate with water system operators, local officials, and community members as you learn how to help to solve water quality issues and respond to urgent concerns in the field.

If you would enjoy a career path which offers the opportunity to protect public health while growing in the environmental field, we invite you to apply today!

Within this role, you will participate in a 12-month training period in which you will receive formal training and on the job training to learn how to perform the duties of a Sanitarian and implement the objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Program. You will acquire the skills necessary to support the SDW Program by evaluating public water systems, reviewing water quality information, and assisting communities with water-related concerns.

As a Safe Drinking Water Inspector, you will learn how to perform the following duties:

• System Inspections: Evaluate public water systems to check operations, maintenance, and equipment condition
• Water Sampling: Collect and review water samples to determine whether drinking water meets safety standards
• Public Consultation: Provide information and guidance to operators, officials, and the public about water issues
• Plan Review: Examine water system plans and documents to assess safety and regulatory compliance
• Data Management: Update systems to ensure accurate tracking of inspections, monitoring, and compliance findings
• Compliance Actions: Support enforcement steps to help water systems meet state and federal requirements

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.
• Travel is required.
• 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 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 $46,827.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training 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.

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 ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• 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 interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job…