Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Cambria County, PA

22h • Remote

About The Position

The Water Quality Specialist Trainee works for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), receiving formal training and on-the-job experience in water quality inspections, complaint investigations, and environmental compliance. The role involves learning field techniques, reviewing environmental information, and assisting with enforcement activities related to water quality and oil and gas operations. The trainee works with experienced staff to help protect waterways and communities.

This is a full-time position with regular hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and a 30-minute lunch. Full-time telework may be available from an approved location in Pennsylvania, provided the employee has a securely configured high-speed internet connection. The employee may instead report to the headquarters office in New Stanton if unable to telework. Telework arrangements may change. New Commonwealth employees begin 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 bachelor’s degree in one of those fields; 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.
• Possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• Must meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions.
• Applicants claiming education in supplemental application answers must attach college transcripts; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspections of oil and gas facilities and compare site conditions with applicable permits.
• Help investigate environmental complaints by collecting field samples and reviewing data.
• Prepare memos, update schedules, and enter information into required electronic systems.
• Study water quality laws, permits, and program requirements to support proper evaluations.
• Collect soil and water samples according to protocol and document findings for review.
• Assist with preparing enforcement actions by organizing records and case materials.

What This Job Offers

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