Environmental Engineering Trainee
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Posted: January 8, 2026 (7 days ago)
This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection
Location
Pennsylvania, 17120
Salary
$66,328 - $79,062
per year
Type
Full Time
More Engineering jobs →Closes
This entry-level job trains you to become an environmental engineer focused on managing waste in Pennsylvania, where you'll learn to check permit applications, inspect waste sites, and ensure facilities follow safety rules to protect the environment.
It's ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals passionate about conservation and hands-on fieldwork.
You'll start with a one-year program in the Department of Environmental Protection, blending office work like report writing with site visits.

As an Environmental Engineering Trainee, you will participate in a one-year training program to learn the job duties of an Environmental Engineering Specialist.
You will acquire the skills necessary to review permit applications for municipal, residual, and hazardous waste landfills, processing facilities, and transfer stations to ensure that the proposed facilities are designed and operated in compliance with the provisions set forth in the Waste Management rules and regulations.
Primary duties will involve conducting field surveys and investigations to ensure that waste management facilities have been constructed and are operating in compliance with permit conditions and quality assurance requirements.
You will also learn how to review closure plans for solid waste facilities to assure that closures are done in an environmentally acceptable manner and in compliance with all pertinent rules and regulations.
Additional assignments will entail learning how to prepare technical engineering reports, conduct data entry, develop EPA's Hazardous Waste Management draft permits, and how to draft deficiency letters outlining regulatory citations.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
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 Williamsport. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
Additional details may be provided during the interview.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
Other Requirements:
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).
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
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.
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes