Geoscience Trainee

Full Job Description

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the fascinating world of geology?

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a motivated and passionate individual eager to help protect and enhance Pennsylvania’s natural resources while supporting the health and quality of life of its communities.

This is a unique opportunity to become part of a dynamic, mission-driven team committed to making a meaningful environmental impact.

By applying today, you can begin a rewarding career that offers intellectual challenge, professional growth, and the chance to play a vital role in preserving the beauty and resilience of our state.

Do not miss this opportunity to make a real difference—join us and help build a sustainable future for Pennsylvania!

Requirements

In this position, you will participate in a comprehensive one-year training program that prepares you with the core skills and knowledge needed to work as a Geoscientist.

During this time, you will perform a range of duties, including reviewing surface and underground mining permit applications for both coal and non-coal operations.

Your work will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and will involve drafting deficiency letters and providing well-supported permitting recommendations.

Additionally, you will carry out hydrologic impact assessments, evaluate groundwater data, and investigate water supply and subsidence concerns.

These efforts will lead to the preparation of thorough technical reports outlining your analyses and conclusions.

You will also work closely with state and federal environmental agencies to evaluate potential impacts on endangered species, take part in public meetings to address community questions, and respond to stakeholder inquiries to promote transparency and effective communication throughout the permitting process.

The essential job functions of this position will require you to navigate rough terrain, use field equipment, operate computers and vehicles, and effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• 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 Pottsville. 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:

• Possession of an active Geologist-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 geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field including or supplemented by 30 college credits in geologic coursework; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirement:

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.