Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Luzerne County, PA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will step into a role that helps safeguard the Commonwealth's water quality. This position gives you hands-on experience with inspections, field work, and regulatory support. It is a great opportunity to build your career while making a positive impact. Become part of a team dedicated to protecting Pennsylvania's natural resources. In this position, you will participate in a 12 month training program to learn how to support the regulation of facilities to help protect water quality across the Commonwealth. The work you will do contributes to the Clean Water Program by assisting with inspections, reviews, and field activities.

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.
• Possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• Meet the PA residency requirement.

Responsibilities

• Inspect sewage and industrial treatment facilities to assess compliance with permits and state requirements
• Examine Discharge Monitoring Reports and record any violations or issues in the appropriate systems
• Collect water quality samples and field data using portable testing equipment and submit samples for laboratory analysis
• Investigate public complaints related to water pollution, nuisance conditions, or potential environmental violations
• Assist with emergency incidents involving known and/or non hazardous substances and conduct follow up evaluations when needed
• Prepare inspection reports, Notices of Violation, and related correspondence within required timeframes

Benefits

• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. 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.

What This Job Offers

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