Environmental Trainee - Water Quality Specialist

Full Job Description

Are you excited about the opportunity to join a dynamic team focused on protecting the health and environment of Pennsylvania's communities? If so, consider applying for the position of Environmental Trainee. In this role, you will play a crucial part in monitoring farms, milking operations, and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations to ensure compliance with environmental policies and procedures. Your work will span several counties within the Northeast Regional Office, allowing you to engage in a variety of impactful tasks. Seize this chance to apply your passion for the environment and make a difference—apply now!

Requirements

In this position, you will participate in both formal and on-the-job training to enhance your knowledge and skills. Your responsibilities will include conducting inspections, surveys, and investigations related to the regulation of individuals, businesses, and municipalities that discharge into the waters of the Commonwealth. You will address complaints and ensure compliance with regulations under Chapter 102, Chapter 105, and Chapter 91.36, focusing on manure management and local stormwater issues, while also increasing field presence for inspections of non-CAFO agricultural operations.

Additionally, you will perform reviews and inspections to verify adherence to Department-issued CAFO permits in priority watersheds, as well as conduct routine and compliance evaluations of assigned agricultural establishments. This work encompasses the management, treatment, and discharge of manure and wastewater to ensure compliance with NPDES and Part II permit conditions, including inspections of farms, milking operations, and other Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations to assess waste generation and environmental impact.

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) 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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 $45,907 (before taxes).
• 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:

• 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 a valid Pennsylvania Class C 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.