Environmental Engineering Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Norristown (Montgomery County); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection seeks an Environmental Engineering Trainee to learn review of public water system plans and regulatory compliance. You will gain hands-on experience in engineering analysis, permit reviews, and field inspections while supporting Safe Drinking Water regulations.

Initially, you will train under seasoned staff, develop technical letters, and coordinate with other agencies to ensure complete permit reviews, with potential

Qualifications

• One year of engineering experience or active Engineering Intern certificate (eligible).
• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• Applicants may be within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Special requirement: active motor vehicle license.
• Must meet PA residency requirements.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Review public water system applications for regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate treatment processes and system components for new/modified facilities.
• Prepare technical letters, deficiency notices, and review summaries.
• Assist with field inspections to verify construction and permit compliance.
• Provide guidance to staff, operators, and consultants on water system requirements.
• Coordinate with other agencies and DEP programs to ensure complete permit reviews.

Skills

Engineering experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Job Details

• Salary: $67,658.00 - $80,646.00 Annually
• Location: Montgomery County, PA
• Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
• Job Number: CS-2026-61671-14510
• Department: Department of Environmental Protection
• Division: EP SERO Sf Drnkg Wtr
• Opening Date: 11/04/2026
• Closing Date: 11/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
• Job Code: 14510
• Position Number: 00256507
• Union: AFSCME
• Bargaining Unit: B4
• Pay Group: ST06
• Bureau / Division Code: 00354180
• Bureau / Division: Southeast Regional Office, Safe Drinking Water
• Worksite Address: 2 E. Main Street
• City: Norristown, Pennsylvania
• Zip Code: 19401
• Contact Name: OA, CE DEP
• Contact Email: [e-mail]

Position Overview

Are you ready to begin a career that strengthens public health and protects natural resources? As an Environmental Engineering Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), you will learn how to review technical plans and support clean, reliable drinking water. You will gain valuable experience in engineering design, regulatory compliance, and environmental problem-solving. Apply today become part of an agency committed to safeguarding Pennsylvania's environment!

Description of Work

This position assists with reviewing public water system applications to ensure proper planning, design, and operation in alignment with Safe Drinking Water regulations. It provides training and technical experience in engineering analysis, regulatory review, and environmental protection. As an Environmental Engineering Trainee, you will learn how to perform the following duties:

• Permit Review: Evaluate public water system applications, engineering reports, and design documentation for regulatory compliance
• Technical Evaluation: Assess treatment processes, system components, and engineering standards for new or modified facilities
• Letter Preparation: Prepare technical letters, deficiency notices, and review summaries referencing applicable regulations
• Inspection Participation: Assist with field inspections to verify construction, system performance, and permit compliance
• Technical Guidance: Provide consultation to staff, operators, and consultants on water system requirements and treatment techniques
• Program Coordination: Support coordination with other agencies and DEP programs to ensure complete and accurate permit reviews

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.
• Infrequent travel within Pennsylvania, most often not requiring overnight stay.
• 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. 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 $67,658.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

• One year of engineering experience and possession of an active Engineering Intern certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
• A bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Special Requirement: This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle 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.

Disability Accommodations

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.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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.