Water Quality Field Investigator Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Coal Center (Washington County); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Water Quality Specialist Trainee to learn inspection, sampling, investigation, and enforcement practices within the Department of Environmental Protection. The role includes field inspections, complaint response, and plan review to ensure regulatory alignment.

You will train with experienced professionals, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to protecting water resources and public health in Pennsylvania.

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 once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Responsibilities

• Field Inspections: Conduct inspections of oil and gas sites to document conditions and evaluate compliance with environmental laws
• Complaint Response: Investigate citizen complaints by collecting samples, interpreting data, and documenting findings for review
• Enforcement Support: Notify operators of violations, assist in preparing enforcement actions, and participate in case documentation
• Plan Review: Review environmental plans and documents submitted by operators to ensure alignment with regulations
• Sample Collection: Collect and preserve environmental samples and use scientific instruments to support investigations
• Data Management: Input inspection and investigation information into electronic databases according to required standards

Education

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

Job description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Water Quality Specialist Trainee to learn inspection, sampling, investigation, and enforcement practices within the Department of Environmental Protection. The role includes field inspections, complaint response, and plan review to ensure regulatory alignment.

You will train with experienced professionals, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to protecting water resources and public health in Pennsylvania.