Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Old Stanton (PA); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania expects a dedicated Water Quality Specialist Trainee to begin a learning-focused path within the Department of Environmental Protection. You’ll gain experience in inspections, sampling, and applying environmental laws to safeguard public health.

This program builds foundational expertise for advancement, with a standard 8:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule, potential telework, and a starting salary aligned with state employment guidelines.

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 a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Responsibilities

• Input information into DEP electronic systems while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Assist with inspections of oil and gas sites and document observations using electronic equipment.
• Help investigate citizen concerns by collecting samples and reviewing analytical data.
• Learn to interpret plans, permits, and requirements related to environmental protection laws.
• Collect representative environmental samples and follow proper preservation procedures.
• Maintain DEP issued tools and instruments used during field and investigation work.

Skills

Environmental knowledge

Field sampling

Data entry

Regulatory understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field

Tools

Electronic data systems

Job description

Salary

$46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually

Location

Westmoreland County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-56639-75400

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP DOG SWDO

Opening Date

08/21/2026

Closing Date

9/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

75400

Position Number

00116770

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST05

Bureau / Division Code

00358220

Bureau / Division

Oil and Gas Operations

Worksite Address

131 Broadview Road

City

New Stanton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

15672

Contact Name

Rob Konowitch

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will start a learning-focused role that prepares you for future advancement. You will gain experience in environmental inspections, sampling, and working with regulations that safeguard public health. This program gives you the foundation needed to become a confident and effective Water Quality Specialist. It is a strong first step for those who want to make an impact in environmental protection.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports DEP's environmental mission by learning inspection practices, assisting with field investigations, and gaining experience with important laws and procedures. As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Data Entry: Input information into DEP electronic systems while maintaining accuracy and consistency
• Routine Inspections: Assist with inspections of oil and gas sites and document observations using electronic equipment
• Complaint Response: Help investigate citizen concerns by collecting samples and reviewing analytical data
• Regulation Review: Learn to interpret plans, permits, and requirements related to environmental protection laws
• Field Sampling: Collect representative environmental samples and follow proper preservation procedures
• Equipment Care: Maintain DEP issued tools and instruments used during field and investigation work

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) full-time. 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 New Stanton. 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.