Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Posted: January 12, 2026 (3 days ago)
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection
Location
Pennsylvania, 17120
Salary
$45,907 - $69,203
per year
Type
Closes
This entry-level job trains you to inspect solid waste facilities and ensure they follow rules to protect Pennsylvania's environment and public health.
You'll learn to check permits, collect samples, and handle different types of waste like hazardous and municipal waste during a one-year program, leading to a promotion if successful.
It's ideal for recent graduates or those with some experience in environmental fields who are passionate about making a real difference in community safety and cleanup efforts.

As a Solid Waste Specialist Trainee, you will participate in a one-year formal and on-the-job training program to learn the duties of a Solid Waste Specialist.
Successful completion of the training program results in promotion to Solid Waste Specialist.
Within this role, you will learn the skills necessary to enforce solid waste rules and regulations relative to the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, processing, and disposal of solid waste.
Your duties will focus on hazardous waste, residual waste, municipal waste, infectious and pathological waste, and emergency response waste.
Additional areas of focus include learning how to review permit applications and plans to determine if the proposed plans are in compliance with departmental regulations, as well as collecting samples of various media and wastes to establish compliance status.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time, upon successful completion of the training 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Special Requirements:
Other Requirements:
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).
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
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.
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