Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Solid Waste Specialist Trainee to inspect municipal waste facilities. This position involves a comprehensive training program that prepares you for crucial responsibilities in environmental safety and compliance. You will contribute to managing hazardous sites, impacting public health and safety positively.

Benefits

Opportunity for part-time telework

Comprehensive training program

Qualifications

• Technical experience in environmental science or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Active motor vehicle license required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of municipal waste facilities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental laws and policies.
• Participate in a 12-month training program.

Skills

Environmental compliance

Inspections

Regulatory assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field

Job description

Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee) | Find Your Passion for Public Service! page has loaded.

Job Number

CS-2025-27933-75400

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

06/26/2025

Closing Date

7/9/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

75400

Position Number

00122828

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

ST05

00354130

Southeast Regional Office, Waste Management Program

Boost your professional journey now! We are seeking enthusiastic candidates dedicated to protecting the health of Pennsylvania's citizens and its environment. In this position, you will inspect municipal waste facilities. As part of our team, you will play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and making a positive impact on the community. Your efforts will help ensure that hazardous sites are properly managed and cleaned up, contributing to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in Pennsylvania. Together, we can make a difference and create a cleaner, safer future for all.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this role, you will participate in a 12-month training program designed to equip you with the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a Solid Waste Specialist. Throughout this training period, you will receive comprehensive instruction aimed at preparing you for the various tasks associated with the position. Your work will be crucial in facilitating the proper management of hazardous sites, contributing to environmental safety and public health by ensuring that all activities align with the relevant legal frameworks. These duties include the supervision of the regulatory assessment of solid waste management facilities to ensure their compliance with Commonwealth environmental laws, regulations, and departmental policies related to solid waste management. You will conduct inspections of hazardous, residual, and municipal waste facilities at designated intervals. Additionally, you will inform solid waste management facilities of any violations identified during inspections, following departmental guidelines regarding necessary corrective actions. Your responsibilities are crucial in maintaining environmental standards and promoting responsible waste management practices.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 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 Norristown.
• Salary:Most selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $45,907 (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.

You must be able to perform essential job functions.

THE POSITION

Boost your professional journey now! We are seeking enthusiastic candidates dedicated to protecting the health of Pennsylvania's citizens and its environment. In this position, you will inspect municipal waste facilities. As part of our team, you will play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and making a positive impact on the community. Your efforts will help ensure that hazardous sites are properly managed and cleaned up, contributing to a safer and healthier environment for everyone in Pennsylvania. Together, we can make a difference and create a cleaner, safer future for all.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this role, you will participate in a 12-month training program designed to equip you with the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a Solid Waste Specialist. Throughout this training period, you will receive comprehensive instruction aimed at preparing you for the various tasks associated with the position. Your work will be crucial in facilitating the proper management of hazardous sites, contributing to environmental safety and public health by ensuring that all activities align with the relevant legal frameworks. These duties include the supervision of the regulatory assessment of solid waste management facilities to ensure their compliance with Commonwealth environmental laws, regulations, and departmental policies related to solid waste management. You will conduct inspections of hazardous, residual, and municipal waste facilities at designated intervals. Additionally, you will inform solid waste management facilities of any violations identified during inspections, following departmental guidelines regarding necessary corrective actions. Your responsibilities are crucial in maintaining environmental standards and promoting responsible waste management practices.

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 Norristown.
• Salary:Most selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $45,907 (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. You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will notbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date.Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.