Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Full Job Description

Do you have a passion for science and a commitment to public health? Would you like to play a role in protecting the air that your fellow Pennsylvanian's breathe every day? If so, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may have the position for you! We are eager to welcome an versatile and dependable Air Quality Specialist Trainee to join our team of professionals. Here, you will learn how to conduct sampling, compliance monitoring, and enforcement duties to ensure facilities within the Commonwealth remain compliant with Air Quality Control Act and the rules and regulations of the department. Apply today to turn your dedication to the environment into a career of impact!

Requirements

At the Environmental Trainee level, you will participate in a comprehensive 12-month training program in which you will receive increased supervision as well as formal and on-the-job training. This trainee program is designed to equip you with the skills needed to fulfill the duties of an Air Quality Specialist and to effectively implement the goals of the Air Quality Program.

As an Air Quality Specialist Trainee, you will learn how to conduct inspection and compliance activities within the region on commercial and industrial facilities. Duties will involve planning and implementing an inspection schedule for sources under permit and those on the compliance monitoring schedule. You will learn how to conduct inspections of control equipment and air pollution sources to ensure compliance with permit conditions, department regulations, and applicable federal regulations. You will further have the opportunity to participate in enforcement actions such as investigating air pollution complaints; conducting follow-up inspections to determine the nature of extent of the air pollution problem; and writing Notices of Violation to companies and individuals found to be out of compliance. Additional assignments will entail learning how to collect air samples, fuel samples, volatile organic compound samples, and other samples as required to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.

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 Bethlehem. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or
• Four years of technical experience 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 not be 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.

Additional 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.