Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection, seeks a Solid Waste Specialist Trainee to learn through structured training while performing site inspections, report writing, and field surveys.

You will travel to waste facilities, interact with operators and the public, and apply safety and environmental rules; telework may be available part-time with one day in the office per month. Regular hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

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 three months of graduating.

Responsibilities

• Site Inspections: Conduct visits to waste handling facilities and transporters to observe operations and identify issues
• Report Preparation: Record findings from inspections, complete required documentation, and follow data entry procedures
• Complaint Investigation: Respond to waste related concerns from the public and gather information to support corrective action
• Field Surveys: Collect environmental data, review conditions, and prepare written summaries of findings
• Stakeholder Interaction: Communicate with facility operators, staff, and the public regarding environmental requirements
• Safety and Compliance: Follow safety procedures, recognize hazards, and apply environmental rules in daily tasks

Skills

Environmental science experience

Regulatory knowledge

Field inspections

Education

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

Job description

Start your path in environmental protection with a role that supports cleaner, safer communities! The Solid Waste Specialist Trainee position with the Department of Environmental Protection provides structured learning and real-world training. You will take part in field work, inspections, and problem solving while learning key environmental laws. This opportunity is perfect for someone who enjoys meaningful work with room to advance.

This role introduces you to the field of solid waste regulation through structured training and guided field experience. It supports the protection of public health and the environment by teaching key inspection and compliance practices. As a Solid Waste Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Site Inspections: Conduct visits to waste handling facilities and transporters to observe operations and identify issues
• Report Preparation: Record findings from inspections, complete required documentation, and follow data entry procedures
• Complaint Investigation: Respond to waste related concerns from the public and gather information to support corrective action
• Field Surveys: Collect environmental data, review conditions, and prepare written summaries of findings
• Stakeholder Interaction: Communicate with facility operators, staff, and the public regarding environmental requirements
• Safety and Compliance: Follow safety procedures, recognize hazards, and apply environmental rules in daily tasks

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) part-time. You will be required to report 1 day in office per month. 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 Pittsburgh. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary:Most 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.

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 Requirements:

• All positions require 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.

• 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.