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Posted: February 19, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Environmental Engineering Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$66,328 - $79,062

per year

Closes

March 19, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level job trains you to become an environmental engineer focused on managing water and wastewater systems in Pennsylvania's state parks and forests.

You'll learn through hands-on work like designing projects, inspecting infrastructure, and conducting field surveys to protect natural areas and public health.

It's ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals passionate about the environment and eager to build skills in a supportive government setting.

Key Requirements

  • One year of experience in environmental engineering plus a valid Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate from the Pennsylvania State Registration Board
  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or any engineering field with at least 9 credits in environmental engineering
  • Ability to participate in a one-year formal and on-the-job training program
  • Willingness to perform field work including GPS surveys, soil sampling, water sampling, and environmental assessments
  • Full-time availability for 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM schedule, Monday through Friday, with potential part-time telework from Pennsylvania
  • Secure high-speed internet for telework if approved

Full Job Description

If you are passionate about protecting the environment and considering a career in environmental engineering, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has an exciting opportunity for you. We are seeking a motivated individual to join our team as an Environmental Engineering Trainee, where you will have the chance to learn and develop your skills in a supportive environment. This position not only offers a pathway to a rewarding career but also allows you to play a crucial role in our mission to safeguard the health and safety of Pennsylvania's residents and its natural ecosystems. If you are ready to take on the challenges and embrace the rewards that come with this essential position, we invite you to apply today and embark on a journey to make a significant difference in your community!

Requirements

As an Environmental Engineering Trainee, you will participate in a one-year formal and on-the-job training program to learn the duties of an Environmental Engineering Specialist. Duties will entail learning how to perform a variety of environmental engineering tasks associated with the design, construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, and inspection of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects on Pennsylvania state park and state forest lands. You will also learn how to assist with design engineering tasks for single- and multi-discipline construction projects, including repair, alteration, renovation, and capital improvements for drinking water, wastewater, and bathing facilities located on DCNR lands. In addition, you will learn the methods to prepare permit applications for construction, modification, and operation of water systems, sewage systems, swimming pools, and other water and sanitary management facilities. Furthermore, you will learn how to conduct field work inclusive of collecting GPS survey data, field measurements, topography, aerial mapping, land survey, soil sampling, percolation testing, water sampling, and stream and wetland identification surveys.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment
  • Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per pay period.

    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 Harrisburg. 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:

  • One year of experience in environmental engineering, and possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
  • A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, or in any engineering field that includes or is supplemented by 9 credits in environmental engineering.
  • Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Conditions of Employment:

  • This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s 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.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 2/19/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/19/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5236041