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Posted: January 30, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Safe Drinking Water Inspector (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Environmental Protection

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$45,907 - $69,203

per year

Closes

February 13, 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 job involves inspecting public water systems across several counties in Pennsylvania to make sure they meet safety rules and protect people's health from water-related issues.

The role includes checking facilities, handling emergencies like floods or droughts, and working with other agencies on water concerns.

It's a great fit for someone with a background in environmental fields who enjoys fieldwork, learning on the job, and contributing to community safety, especially if they're open to a year-long training program as a trainee.

Key Requirements

  • 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 one of those environmental fields
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree to meet educational requirements
  • Possession of an active motor vehicle license (implied by special requirement)
  • Ability to conduct inspections, surveillance, compliance, and enforcement activities for public water systems
  • Willingness to undergo a 12-month training program with supervision and hands-on experience if hired as an Environmental Trainee

Full Job Description

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking to hire a Safe Drinking Water Inspector, a role that encompasses a variety of responsibilities aimed at monitoring public water systems throughout a specific area of the Commonwealth. The main goal of this position is to ensure compliance with the Department's regulations, thereby protecting public health. The inspector will oversee facilities located in any of the 11 counties within the Northeast Region, underscoring the need for a solid understanding of local regulations and practices. If the role is filled by an Environmental Trainee, the individual will undergo a 12-month training program that includes close supervision, formal education, and hands-on experience in performing Sanitarian duties and advancing the objectives of the Water Supply Program. This position is vital for upholding water quality standards and ensuring that communities have reliable access to safe drinking water.20250527051913_DEP.jpg

Requirements

The role entails the implementation of established rules and regulations throughout the processes of surveillance, compliance, and enforcement activities.

This includes conducting thorough inspections of regulated Public Water Systems to ensure adherence to relevant regulations.

Additionally, you will engage in consultations and respond to cases involving private water supplies, addressing water-related concerns that may arise from other Department programs or in collaboration with state and federal agencies.

Your responsibilities will also encompass managing conditions resulting from environmental challenges such as droughts or flooding, as well as addressing various emergency situations that may impact water quality and availability.


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 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:

  • 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 possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
  • 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: 1/30/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/30/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5216595