Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Dauphin County, PA

6d • Remote

About The Position

The Environmental Trainee role with the Department of Environmental Protection provides an opportunity to learn how solid waste operations are monitored and regulated. The position supports safe management of solid, hazardous, residual, and municipal waste across Pennsylvania and helps protect public health and the environment by supporting compliance with environmental laws.

The trainee learns to inspect facilities, review permits, and support investigations. Duties include enforcing regulations for waste generation, transport, processing, and disposal; investigating complaints and addressing violations; inspecting waste facilities and vehicles; reviewing permit applications and plans; collecting samples and reviewing analytical results; and supporting emergency response teams during waste-release incidents.

This is a full-time position with work hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and a 30-minute lunch. Full-time telework may be available, subject to a securely configured high-speed internet connection, an approved work location within Pennsylvania, and changing operational conditions. If unable to telework, the employee may report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. New Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees start at an annual salary of $46,827 before taxes.

Requirements

• Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or a qualifying bachelor's degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants may meet the educational requirement when within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• Possession and maintenance of a REAL ID or passport; proof is required at the time of a conditional offer.
• Meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Be able to perform the essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Enforce rules and regulations related to waste generation, transport, processing, and disposal.
• Investigate waste management complaints and take action to resolve violations.
• Inspect waste facilities and vehicles to assess compliance with state and federal standards.
• Review permit applications and plans to determine whether operational plans meet requirements.
• Collect samples and review analytical results to determine environmental compliance status.
• Support emergency response teams during environmental incidents involving waste releases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level