Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Salary

$46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually

Location

Westmoreland County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-57673-75400

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP DOG SWDO

Opening Date

09/04/2026

Closing Date

9/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

75400

Position Number

50352976

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST05

Bureau / Division Code

00358220

Bureau / Division

Oil and Gas Operations Southwest District

Worksite Address

131 Broadview Road

City

New Stanton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

15672

Contact Name

Rob Konowitch

Contact Email

View email address on click.appcast.io

THE POSITION

The Water Quality Specialist Traineeposition with the Department of Environmental Protection offers an exciting chance to start a career that protects Pennsylvania's natural resources. This role provides hands-on training and guidance from experienced environmental professionals. You will learn how to monitor sites, review conditions, and support important environmental laws. Begin your path toward meaningful work as an Environmental Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides training in environmental protection work, including inspections, data review, and learning regulatory requirements. It prepares you for future responsibilities related to monitoring oil and gas operations and documenting environmental conditions. As an Environmental Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Data Entry: Input and update environmental information in Department data systems
• Knowledge Building: Learn laws, regulations, and procedures that guide environmental work
• Inspection Support: Assist with routine inspections of oil and gas sites to observe environmental conditions
• Complaint Assistance: Help investigate citizen complaints by gathering field information and samples
• Plan Review: Support review of environmental plans and documents submitted by operators
• Field Equipment: Operate and maintain basic scientific instruments during training activities

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.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. 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 New Stanton. 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 $46,827 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or
• A bachelor's degree 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 meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

V eterans:

• 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 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.
EXAMINATION 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.