Environmental Engineering Trainee

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection invites applicants for an Environmental Engineering Trainee. This entry-level role includes hands-on learning under experienced engineers, assisting with reviews and permit evaluations to protect water quality.

Telework may be available, with standard 8:00 AM–4:00 PM hours, and opportunities to develop essential permitting and inspection skills.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in environmental engineering or equivalent.
• EIT certificate or near-completion within 3 months of graduating.
• Educational path includes environmental engineering coursework or specialization.

Responsibilities

• Permit support: review permit applications and evaluate facility performance.
• System review: examine wastewater and industrial treatment systems for completeness and operation.
• Field activities: participate in surveys and inspections to observe facilities.
• Water modeling: learn to analyze stream data and run water quality simulations.
• Data entry: maintain accurate information in tracking systems and databases.
• Technical communication: engage with applicants and officials to gather details.

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering (or engineering with 9 environmental credits)

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate

Job description

Join the Department of Environmental Protection as an Environmental Engineering Trainee and take the first step toward a rewarding career in clean water protection. This role offers hands-on learning guided by experienced engineers who are committed to your growth. You will build real world skills while supporting efforts that protect community waterways. Bring your enthusiasm and interest in environmental work to a team that values dedication and public service.

This position supports engineering reviews and permit evaluations that help protect water quality and ensure compliance with environmental laws. The role provides training and guidance to help you learn essential permitting, analysis, and inspection tasks. As an Environmental Engineering Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Permit Support: Assist with reviewing permit applications and evaluating facility performance
• System Review: Help examine wastewater and industrial treatment systems for completeness and proper operation
• Field Activities: Participate in surveys and inspections to observe facility conditions and gather information
• Water Modeling: Learn to analyze stream data and run water quality simulations under supervision
• Data Entry: Maintain accurate information in tracking systems and electronic databases
• Technical Communication: Work with applicants and officials to address questions and gather needed details

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.
• 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 Harrisburg. 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 $67,658 (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:

• One year of experience in environmental engineering, and possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
• A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, or in any engineering field that includes or is supplemented by 9 credits in environmental engineering.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Other Requirements:

• 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.