Water Quality Trainee: Inspections & Field Sampling

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; New Stanton (Westmoreland County); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection invites applications for a Water Quality Specialist Trainee. This learning-focused role prepares you for future advancement through hands-on experience in inspections, sampling, and regulatory work that protects public health.

As a trainee, you will perform data entry, assist with field investigations, collect samples, and learn to interpret plans, permits, and environmental laws.

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

• 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.

Skills

Data entry

Inspection practices

Field investigations

Regulation interpretation

Education

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

Equivalent combination of experience and training

Tools

Electronic data systems

Job description

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection invites applications for a Water Quality Specialist Trainee. This learning-focused role prepares you for future advancement through hands-on experience in inspections, sampling, and regulatory work that protects public health.

As a trainee, you will perform data entry, assist with field investigations, collect samples, and learn to interpret plans, permits, and environmental laws.