Environmental Inspector-in-Training

The Edventure Group; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 39,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is seeking an Environmental Inspector in Training in the Fayetteville area. The role involves conducting technical and field inspections of regulated sites across multiple counties to ensure compliance with environmental laws and permit conditions.

The position requires a four-year degree in natural or applied science, engineering, or occupational safety and health, plus the ability to travel, work outdoors, and pass required examinations.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in natural or applied science, engineering, or occupational safety and health.
• Substitution: related inspection/technical experience may substitute for training.
• Special requirements include possessing a valid driver’s license and passing exams.
• Areas of Assignment include Abandoned Mine, Land Reclamation, Environmental Compliance Monitoring, Hazardous Waste Management, Surface Mining Reclamation, Solid Waste Management, Water Pollution Control, Air Quality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical and field inspections of regulated sites to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and permit conditions.
• Operate at training inspector level under direct supervision.
• Issue notices of violation and/or cessation orders as needed.
• Follow up on violations through civil, administrative, or criminal proceedings.
• Investigate complaints related to mining and reclamation activities.
• Travel regularly and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Navigate rugged terrain during site inspections.
• Submit required documentation in a timely manner.
• Participate in quarterly helicopter over-flight inspections of assigned areas.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Professional appearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural or applied science, engineering, or occupational safety and health

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Salary: $39,461.00 – $68,582.00 Annually

Location: Fayette County, WV

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Job Number: DEP2700022

Department: Environment – Environmental Protection

Opening Date: 08/14/2026

Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Location of Vacancy: MULTIPLE COUNTIES – LIST COUNTIES IN NATURE OF WORK

Civil Service Type: Classified-Exempt – This Position is Not Covered Under the DOP Merit System

Nature of Work:DEP2700022

Salary: $39,461.00 – $68,582.00 Annually

Location: Fayette County, WV

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Job Number: DEP2700022

Department: Environment – Environmental Protection

Opening Date: 08/14/2026

Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Location of Vacancy: MULTIPLE COUNTIES – LIST COUNTIES IN NATURE OF WORK

Civil Service Type: Classified-Exempt – This Position is Not Covered Under the DOP Merit System

Nature of Work:DEP2700022

Nature of Work

DEP2700022 Environmental Inspector in Training

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Mining and Reclamation

Operations; Inspection and Enforcement

Fayetteville Regional Office: 1159 Nick Rahall Greenway, Fayetteville, WV 25840

Assigned Counties: Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Raleigh and Wyoming Counties

Also refer to posting number DEP2700023; Environmental Inspector. One position will be filled with either title.

This position is classified exempt; therefore, does not fall under the classified service.

We welcome you to join our team where we value work/life balance and diversity. We offer a great benefits package that includes 12 paid holidays, insurance and flexible benefits, ample annual and sick leave accrual, flexible work schedules, an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Initiatives, an optional 457 defined contribution retirement savings plan and more.

Position Duties – Will acquire the knowledge to:

• Conduct technical and field inspections of regulated sites to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and permit conditions in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Raleigh and Wyoming Counties (assignment areas may change without advance notice).
• Operate at training inspector level under direct supervision.
• Issue notices of violation and/or cessation orders as needed.
• Follow up on violations through civil, administrative, or criminal proceedings in accordance with established procedures.
• Investigate complaints related to mining and reclamation activities.
• Travel regularly and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Navigate and walk over rugged terrain during site inspections.
• Be available for emergency response and on-call duties as needed.
• Accept temporary assignments in different geographic areas based on environmental conditions or agency needs.
• Submit required documentation and paperwork in a timely manner.
• Participate in quarterly helicopter over-flight inspections of assigned areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Requirements:

• Must reside within the assigned geographic area.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license.
• Must communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the public and private sector.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

Notes:

• Regular attendance is an essential part of this position.
• Qualifying applicants will be required to complete an internet-based profile assessment to compare the applicant’s thinking and reasoning skills, behavioral traits and the occupational interests against the traits determined to be important to the posted position.
• The recommended candidate will be subject to a search of his or her Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) prior to being hired and annually thereafter.
• All new employees that are involved with Specific DEP programs subject to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMRCA) of 1977 must file prior to final appointment and annually thereafter, a Statement of Employment and Financial Interest (OSM 23).
• Any applicant who has never taken and passed the examination for the Environmental Inspector in Training position may be required to do so. We will arrange this for qualified applicants.

DOP Purposes Only – 0313P00257

Minimum Qualifications

Training: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in natural or applied science, engineering, or occupational safety and health.

Substitution: Full-time or equivalent part-time paid inspection, technical, or professional employment in one of the areas of assignment may substitute for the required training on a year-to-year-basis.

Special Requirements: Must possess a valid driver’s license. For work in the areas of hazardous waste management and solid waste management, must take and pass physical examination within the first six months of employment and submit to annual follow-up examinations. Failure to pass the initial examination will result in termination of employment.Failure to pass a subsequent examination may result in reassignment.

Note: Personnel engaged in activities associated with hazardous wastes risk exposure to situations or chemicals which may cause illness or injury if proper procedures are not followed.

Areas of Assignment:Abandoned Mine, Land Reclamation, Environmental Compliance Monitoring, Hazardous Waste Management, Surface Mining Reclamation, Solid Waste Management, Water Pollution Control, Air Quality

Other Information

PG 14: $39,461 – $68,582

Market Rate: $61,044

Probationary period 1 year

Note: DEP’s maximum hiring salary for the Environmental Inspector in Training title is $45,500 due to title/salary progression opportunities after being hired.