Environmental Trainee

Position Overview

Looking to start an exciting career in the field of environmental protection? Want to put your bachelor's degree in a physical, biological or engineering field to good use? Don't want to be tied to a desk? Look no further than to Environmental Trainee opportunities with the Pennsylvania DEP!

DEP has immediate openings for college graduates with no professional environmental protection experience required!

Responsibilities

• We are seeking environmentally friendly and energetic individuals who are committed to protecting and preserving Pennsylvania's resources through the regulation of air, water, waste, mining, radiation sources, and oil and gas. 
• Environmental Trainees are hired into a 12-month training program, which consists of on-the-job training to learn the duties of an environmental inspector in a specific environmental field. 
• Employees in the trainee job will learn applicable regulations and policies, and assist more experienced employees in performing inspections of assigned facilities. 
• Trainees may become Safe Drinking Water inspectors, Storage Tanks inspectors, Wastewater Treatment Plant inspectors, Air Quality inspectors, among others.
• This position is in the Southwest Regional Office's Clean Water program. 
• The candidate selected for this position will be trained to perform the duties of a Water Quality Specialist. 
• The employee in the position will be responsible for performing inspections and investigations pertaining to the regulation of persons, establishments and municipalities discharging to the waters of the Commonwealth to ensure compliance with the Commonwealth's Rules and Regulations, permits and environmental laws. 
• Assignments will be made within a predetermined geographic area of responsibility.

Qualifications

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility: 

• Must meet PA residency requirement.
• Minimum Experience and Training Requirements - A bachelor's degree with major course work in an appropriate physical or biological science or a closely-related environmental field.
• This position requires a bachelor's degree with major coursework in one of the following three fields:  Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Science.
• Necessary Special Requirement - Possession of a valid driver's license.
• This position requires the submission of college transcripts.
• This posting requires submission of a resume.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

Additional Qualifications:

• Travel is required for these positions, but does not typically include overnight stays. 
• Applicants must possess a valid driver's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
• DEP vehicles can be signed out to facilitate travel to and from inspection sites.
• Inspections may require employees to negotiate uneven or rough terrain, sometimes while carrying test equipment.
• Employees who complete the Environmental Trainee year often move on to higher-level specialist and supervisory job titles in the future.

Note: You must apply to this vacancy posting, meet eligibility requirements, complete the supplemental questions and receive a score. Your score is only valid for this specific vacancy. Once this position is filled, your score is no longer valid. 

Compensation

• Full-time employment.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Travel expenses will be paid.
• Must successfully complete training period for promotion with a salary increase.