Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Westmoreland County, PA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Water Quality Specialist Trainee works for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, supporting efforts to protect waterways and public health while developing skills for a future Water Quality Specialist role. The position introduces the employee to fieldwork, data analysis, and community support.

The trainee supports monitoring, inspection, and documentation of oil and gas activities to protect water quality and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Work includes entering and maintaining data; inspecting oil and gas sites and related facilities; investigating environmental damage, water-supply impacts, and health or safety concerns; collecting samples and reviewing findings; supporting compliance enforcement and case preparation; operating scientific instruments; reviewing environmental plans and permits; documenting field results; and responding to questions from the public and other stakeholders.

This is a full-time position scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch. Full-time telework may be available from an approved location in Pennsylvania with a securely configured high-speed internet connection. Employees unable to telework may report to the headquarters office in New Stanton. Telework availability may change.

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 they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Possess an active motor vehicle license.
• Meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Be able to perform the essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Input data into electronic systems while ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Conduct routine inspections of oil and gas sites and related facilities to evaluate compliance with permits, environmental laws, and department requirements.
• Investigate reports of environmental damage, water-supply impacts, or health and safety concerns by collecting samples and reviewing findings.
• Issue violation notices, support enforcement actions, and assist with case preparation and hearing activities as needed.
• Use scientific instruments to collect and interpret environmental measurements.
• Review environmental plans, permits, restoration documents, and related operator submissions for regulatory compliance.
• Record inspection results, photographs, videos, sample information, and other data in computer systems while maintaining data quality standards.
• Respond to questions from citizens, operators, consultants, and partner agencies regarding oil and gas activities and environmental requirements.

What This Job Offers

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