Air Quality Specialist Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Alaska; Remote; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection seeks an Air Quality Specialist Trainee to learn inspection techniques, review reports, learn regulations, and conduct supervised field tasks while supporting air quality inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities.

This full-time trainee role includes a schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, travel requirements, potential telework options within Pennsylvania, residency requirements, and a starting salary of $46,827

Qualifications

• Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
• 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 within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Responsibilities

• Inspection Support: Observe field inspections, learn evaluation methods, and assist in reviewing facility operations
• Report Preparation: Draft inspection memos, document findings, and help maintain schedules for required activities
• Sample Collection: Collect materials for lab analysis to support compliance reviews and pollution investigations
• Complaint Follow-Up: Participate in investigating citizen complaints and identifying potential air quality issues
• Regulatory Learning: Study state and federal air quality laws, guidelines, and program requirements
• Field Assistance: Support specialists with data entry, monitoring tasks, and preparation for enforcement actions

Skills

Environmental science experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field

Job description

Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

2026-10-20 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania all cities,AK

Air Quality Specialist Trainee

Are you ready for an exciting profession where you can help protect Pennsylvania communities by identifying and addressing air pollution concerns? Embark upon a meaningful career as an Air Quality Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In this role, you will learn the skills necessary to help protect public health by monitoring air quality issues across the region. You will work with various facilities, investigate potential problems, and support efforts that improve environmental conditions. Apply today to join a mission-driven agency committed to safeguarding Pennsylvania's air and promoting responsible industry practices!

This trainee position provides structured training and field exposure to support air quality inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities. Your work will include observing inspection techniques, reviewing reports, learning regulations, and conducting supervised field tasks. As an Air Quality Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Inspection Support: Observe field inspections, learn evaluation methods, and assist in reviewing facility operations
• Report Preparation: Draft inspection memos, document findings, and help maintain schedules for required activities
• Sample Collection: Collect materials for lab analysis to support compliance reviews and pollution investigations
• Complaint Follow-Up: Participate in investigating citizen complaints and identifying potential air quality issues
• Regulatory Learning: Study state and federal air quality laws, guidelines, and program requirements
• Field Assistance: Support specialists with data entry, monitoring tasks, and preparation for enforcement actions

Full-time employment

Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

This position requires travel.

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 Williamsport. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.

Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827.00 (before taxes).

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.

Special Requirement:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans:

• 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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator. Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.

Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.

Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box. Eligibility rules apply.