Solid Waste Specialist Trainee; Environmental Trainee

As a Solid Waste Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will begin meaningful work that supports hazardous site cleanup across the region. This role will help you build technical skills while working with experienced staff and learning essential procedures. You will take part in activities that support safe cleanup, community communication, and regulatory compliance. This position prepares you for ongoing advancement in the environmental field.

This position supports hazardous site cleanup by assisting with investigations, document reviews, and project coordination. The role also includes field activities, communication with partners, and preparation of written materials.

• Site Support: Assist with field activities, inspections, and evaluations at hazardous waste sites
• Document Review: Review studies, reports, and plans to support cleanup and compliance requirements
• Project Assistance: Help coordinate work with staff, contractors, and federal partners
• Public Communication: Support community outreach by preparing information and participating in meetings
• Data Analysis: Use computer systems and mapping tools to organize site data and generate reports
• Record Management: Maintain files, documentation, and program information for assigned sites

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

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• This position requires travel, with a potential for evening and overnight travel.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part‑time, up to 3 days per week. 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 Norristown. 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.

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

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and click on Veterans.

• 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…