Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Williamsport (Lycoming County); Remote; USD 47,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Williamsport is seeking an Air Quality Specialist Trainee to learn how to identify and address air pollution concerns, protect public health, and support regional air quality programs.

You will observe inspections, assist with report preparation, collect samples, follow up on citizen complaints, and study state and federal air quality regulations as you gain field experience and the skills needed for advancement.

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.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Educational requirements may be met within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Four years experience in environmental

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science/engineering/health/geology/biology/ecology

Job description

Salary

$46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually

Location

Lycoming County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-60589-75400

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP NCRO Air Qlty

Opening Date

10/19/2026

Closing Date

11/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

75400

Position Number

00037276

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST05

Bureau / Division Code

00354470

Bureau / Division

EP NCRO Air Qlty

Worksite Address

208 W. 3rd Street

City

Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17701

Contact Name

Julie Wolfrays

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

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.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

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

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

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.
• 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).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.

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.