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Posted: January 12, 2026 (3 days ago)

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Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Environmental Protection

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$45,907 - $69,203

per year

Closes

January 27, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level position trains new hires to become Solid Waste Specialists, focusing on protecting Pennsylvania's environment and public health through hands-on learning about waste management.

You'll work under experienced supervisors for a year, creating reports and memos while gaining practical skills in environmental protection.

It's ideal for recent graduates or those with some technical background in sciences who want to make a real difference in community and natural resource safety.

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 environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a related field
  • Or an equivalent combination of experience and training
  • Within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree
  • Active motor vehicle license
  • Meet Pennsylvania residency requirement
  • Ability to travel as needed and work full-time (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday)

Full Job Description

The Department of Environmental Protection is actively looking for passionate individuals committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of both the citizens and the environment of Pennsylvania.

If you aspire to advance your career within the Commonwealth as a Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee), we encourage you to apply today and join our dedicated team.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital environmental initiatives while gaining valuable experience in the field.

Your efforts will play a crucial part in ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for all Pennsylvanians, making a meaningful impact on the community and the natural world.

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Requirements

As an Environmental Trainee, there is a 12-month training period during which time the incumbent will be trained to perform the duties of a Solid Waste Specialist. The incumbent will perform these duties either with a Solid Waste Specialist or the Solid Waste Supervisor. The work products produced, i.e. memos, reports, letters, etc. are reviewed by the supervisor before being issued or released.

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.
  • This position may require travel as needed.
  • 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 Norristown. 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 $45,907.00 (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:

  • 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 Requirements:

  • This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle 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: 1/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/12/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5189399