Environmental Protection Specialist

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Williamsport (Lycoming County); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework up to 2 days/week

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Specialist role involves protecting communities and restoring contaminated sites within the Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields Program. The position blends field tasks with technical reviews and coordination with agencies and partners, supporting environmental cleanup and redevelopment across the region.

Typical duties include incident response, site evaluation, project coordination, and data management.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a journey-level specialist in a waste management program; or two years in environmental protection with relevant degree.
• Master's degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledges and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints and environmental events to determine contamination.
• Conduct initial assessments, collect samples, and review cleanup needs.
• Manage contractors, participate in planning, and oversee cleanup at hazardous waste/Superfund sites.
• Examine studies, work plans, reports, and proposals to ensure compliance.
• Attend public meetings, assist with outreach, and coordinate information sharing.
• Maintain records and ensure accuracy of environmental data.

Skills

Incident response

Site evaluation

Project coordination

Technical review

Community outreach

Data management

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental protection

Job description

As an Environmental Protection Specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will take part in work that protects communities and restores contaminated areas. This position offers a balance of field tasks, technical reviews, and coordination with agencies and partners. Your efforts will support environmental cleanup and responsible redevelopment across the region. Join a mission-driven team that values accuracy, safety, and strong public service.

This position supports environmental cleanup, investigations, and site management activities within the Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields Program. It requires careful evaluation of incidents, coordination with agencies, and review of technical documents. As an Environmental Protection Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Incident Response: Investigate complaints and environmental events to determine if contamination has occurred
• Site Evaluation: Conduct initial assessments, collect samples, and review documents for cleanup and remediation needs
• Project Coordination: Manage contractors, participate in planning, and oversee cleanup work at hazardous waste and Superfund sites
• Technical Review: Examine studies, work plans, reports, and proposals to ensure compliance with laws and standards
• Community Support: Attend public meetings, assist with outreach, and coordinate information sharing at affected sites
• Data Management: Maintain records, update electronic systems, and ensure accuracy and consistency of environmental data

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 2 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 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 $60,538 (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 as a journey-level specialist in a waste management program; or
• Two years of experience in environmental protection and a bachelor's degree with major course work in biology, chemistry, or in a field closely related to environmental protection. A master's degree with major course work in any of the fields closely related to environmental protection may be substituted for one year of the required experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges and abilities.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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.