Environmental Trainee

The Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for a passionate individual who is committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of both the citizens and the environment of Pennsylvania. We are in search of a dynamic and eco-conscious candidate who is eager to contribute to the conservation and protection of the state's natural resources. If you aspire to advance your career within the Commonwealth as an environmental trainee, we encourage you to apply today and join our dedicated team!

This role operates under the guidance of the Water Quality Specialist Supervisor and adheres to the established training framework, focusing on professional responsibilities within the Storage Tank Program at the Southeast Regional office. The position involves conducting inspections of both aboveground and underground storage tank facilities to ensure compliance with departmental standards related to installation, operation, maintenance, leak detection, closure or removal, spill prevention, response planning, as well as permits and registration requirements. Additionally, the individual is tasked with gathering, organizing, and developing investigative leads and evidence pertaining to regulatory violations, which supports enforcement actions; this includes drafting violation letters and aiding in the preparation of consent assessments. The role also encompasses the collection of environmental and chemical samples, interpreting laboratory results to assess the level of contamination, performing field tests, and executing calibration and routine maintenance on various testing equipment. In emergency scenarios, such as spills or releases, the individual is responsible for responding promptly to assist or oversee cleanup operations, coordinating the procurement of necessary equipment or specialized services to effectively manage the aftermath of such incidents.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 3 days per week. 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 Norristown.
• This position may require travel.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $44,890 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training 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.

• 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.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• 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.

• 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 www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.