Sewage Planning Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework option

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Sewage Planning Specialist Trainee within the Department of Environmental Protection. This training-focused role introduces you to environmental program planning, fieldwork, and office administration to protect communities and natural resources.

You will train with experienced staff, handle plan reviews, municipal coordination, field investigations, and data management while learning regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or closely related field.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Plan Review: Evaluate sewage facility plans and updates for regulatory compliance.
• Municipal Coordination: Meet with local officials about requirements and timelines.
• Program Oversight: Monitor local agency administration of on-lot sewage programs.
• Field Investigation: Conduct surveys and inspections to document sewage needs.
• Compliance Actions: Initiate enforcement steps for violations and gather information for orders/hearings.
• Data Management: Enter information into electronic systems and review permit applications.

Skills

Environmental science

Environmental engineering

Geology

Education

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

Job description

THE POSITION

Start a meaningful path as an Sewage Planning Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection. This opportunity is ideal for individuals ready to learn how environmental programs are planned and administered. You will train alongside experienced staff and build confidence through real field and office work. Choose a role that strengthens your abilities while supporting efforts that protect communities and natural resources.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the administration of sewage facilities planning and environmental programs through structured training and guided fieldwork. As an Environmental Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Plan Review: Evaluate sewage facility plans and updates to ensure consistency with regulations and natural resource protections
• Municipal Coordination: Meet with local officials to discuss requirements, timelines, and content for planning projects
• Program Oversight: Monitor local agency administration of on-lot sewage programs and recommend improvements
• Field Investigation: Conduct surveys and inspections to document sewage needs and determine appropriate actions
• Compliance Actions: Initiate enforcement steps when violations occur and gather information for orders and hearings
• Data Management: Enter accurate information into electronic systems and review permit applications following established procedures

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 Meadville. 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 (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 3 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.

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.