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Posted: February 13, 2026 (7 days ago)

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Water Program Specialist

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Environmental Protection

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$67,736 - $102,905

per year

Closes

February 28, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves reviewing and guiding restoration projects for wetlands and waterways across Pennsylvania to protect the environment and ensure they follow state rules.

You'll do fieldwork, create educational materials, manage project data, and advise others on water-related issues.

It's a great fit for someone with a science background who enjoys hands-on environmental work and helping communities.

Key Requirements

  • Three years of professional experience in environmental protection
  • Bachelor’s degree in biological, physical, or environmental sciences, engineering, or a closely related field
  • Knowledge of DEP regulations on water quality, erosion and sediment control, floodplains, wetlands, and obstructions
  • Ability to conduct field investigations and environmental reviews of restoration projects
  • Skills in coordinating, analyzing, and developing program manuals, guidance documents, and educational materials
  • Experience maintaining project data, preparing reports, and delivering presentations
  • Willingness to travel and work full-time with potential part-time telework

Full Job Description

Would you like to play a pivotal role in ensuring the Commonwealth's waterways thrive for generations to come? If so, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is excited to welcome a diligent Water Program Specialist to become a key member of the Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands. Here, you will conduct statewide environmental reviews of wetland and waterway restoration projects to ensure compliance with established guidelines and regulations. Do not miss this opportunity for a challenging, yet fulfilling career where you can make a positive difference throughout your community!

. Do not miss this opportunity for a challenging, yet fulfilling career where you can make a positive difference throughout your community!

Requirements

As a Water Program Specialist, you will conduct a wide-range of specialized duties within the Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands.

Primary areas of focus include conducting field investigations and reviews of wetland and waterway restoration projects, as well as providing guidance regarding mitigation and restoration issues or concerns.

You will also be responsible for coordinating, analyzing, and developing program manuals, guidance documents, permit forms, educational materials, fact sheets, and other information regarding the implementation and support of statewide wetland and waterway restoration initiatives and other related programs.


In addition, you will maintain accurate and detailed project data, prepare annual reports, review remediation plans, manage incoming and outgoing bills and contracts, and prepare and deliver formal presentations of project outcomes.

Within this role, it is essential to maintain a strong understanding of DEP regulations surrounding water quality, erosion and sediment, floodplains, wetlands and obstructions, and more as you will be providing frequent program guidance and general information to regional and district staff, other agencies, landowners, and the general public.


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 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
  • Travel is required.
  • 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 Harrisburg. 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:

  • Three years of professional environmental protection experience; and a bachelor’s degree in the biological, physical, or environmental sciences, engineering, or in a field closely related to environmental protection or regulation; or
  • An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years of professional environmental protection experience.


Conditions of Employment:

  • This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s 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: 2/13/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/13/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5231722