Sanitarian Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Sanitarian Trainee in Williamsport to support safe drinking water and public health programs. This role offers hands-on learning while contributing to essential public health activities.

You will perform water system reviews, data entry, field sampling, and provide technical guidance to facility owners and community members, with travel to sites and potential telework based on department needs.

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.
• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Responsibilities

• Water System Reviews: Review public water systems and assess needs for improvements or studies
• Data Management: Enter and update water system data in agency data systems
• Field Sampling: Collect water samples using proper safety procedures
• Technical Guidance: Provide information and support to facility owners and community members
• Training Support: Help prepare materials and assist with training activities related to water safety
• Program Compliance: Assist with monitoring compliance with state regulations and program plans

Skills

Technical experience in environmental/

Active motor vehicle license

Education

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

Equivalent combination of experience and training

Job description

JOB DETAILS

Salary: $46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually

Location: Lycoming County, PA

Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number: CS-2026-60370-75400

Department: Department of Environmental Protection

Division: EP NCRO Sf Drnkg Wtr

Opening Date: 10/15/2026

Closing Date: 10/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 75400

Position Number: 50546409

Union: AFSCME

Bargaining Unit: B4

Pay Group: ST05

Bureau / Division Code: 00354480

Bureau / Division: Northcentral Regional Office, Safe Drinking Water

Worksite Address: 208 W Third Street

City: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 17701

Contact Name: OA, CE DEP

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Join the Department of Environmental Protection as a Sanitarian Trainee and help support safe and healthy environments for all residents! This role provides hands-on learning while you contribute to essential public health programs. It is a rewarding path for someone who wants to improve community well-being and gain valuable experience.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role supports efforts to protect public health by evaluating water supplies, assisting with inspections, and working with communities to address environmental concerns. As a Sanitarian Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Water System Reviews: Review public water systems and assess needs for improvements or studies
• Data Management: Enter and update water system data in agency data systems
• Field Sampling: Collect water samples using proper safety procedures
• Technical Guidance: Provide information and support to facility owners and community members
• Training Support: Help prepare materials and assist with training activities related to water safety
• Program Compliance: Assist with monitoring compliance with state regulations and program plans

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.
• Travel is required for site visits.
• 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 three 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.

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.

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.