Sewage Planning Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Telework up to 3 days/week

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a Sewage Planning Trainee to learn how communities manage sewage planning and protect public health. You will review plans, evaluate agencies, and support statewide sewage management efforts while gaining hands-on experience with local agencies.

The role requires four years of technical environmental experience or a bachelor’s degree in a related field; telework up to 3 days/week may be available, and travel is

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.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements within 3 months of graduation.

Responsibilities

• Agency Evaluation: conduct reviews of local agencies and sewage enforcement officers and recommend corrective actions.
• Complaint Review: assess sewage complaints and take action based on policy.
• Plan Review: examine land development proposals and determine actions for exemptions and planning components.
• Program Support: help develop guidance documents and deliver regional training for sewage enforcement officers.
• Data Management: maintain records in eFacts, OnBase, and related databases.
• Public Communication: provide information to officials, consultants, and the public regarding programs, rules, and procedures.

Skills

Environmental planning

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or related field

Four years of technical experience in environmental science or related field

Job description

THE POSITION: The Sewage Planning Trainee position with the Department of Environmental Protection is a great opportunity to learn how communities manage sewage planning and protect public health. This role offers hands‑on experience with local agencies and important environmental programs. You will build skills in reviewing plans, giving guidance, and supporting statewide sewage management efforts. This is an excellent starting point for someone who wants to help improve conditions for residents across the region.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the administration of the Sewage Facilities Act by reviewing plans, evaluating agencies, and assisting with program guidance across assigned communities. As a Sewage Planning Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Agency Evaluation: Conduct reviews of local agencies and sewage enforcement officers and recommend corrective actions when needed
• Complaint Review: Assess sewage complaints assigned by management and take appropriate action based on policy requirements
• Plan Review: Examine land development proposals and determine proper actions for exemptions and planning components
• Program Support: Assist in developing guidance documents and help deliver regional training for sewage enforcement officers
• Data Management: Maintain records in eFacts, OnBase, and databases for assigned Chapter 94 cases and planning activities
• Public Communication: Provide information to officials, consultants, and the public regarding programs, rules, and 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.
• This position will require travel.
• 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 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 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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 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).

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.