Water Program Specialist

Water Program Specialist

Does the possibility of helping to shape programs that protect water quality while supporting Pennsylvania's agricultural communities sound exciting to you? Join the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as a Water Program Specialist and support key initiatives that safeguard Pennsylvania's streams and watersheds. This role allows you to contribute to important programs that help farmers and conservation partners reduce nutrient and sediment pollution. Here, you will have the opportunity to engage in statewide efforts that improve water quality and strengthen environmental stewardship. Apply today to join a team dedicated to helping our communities and natural resources thrive!

This position supports statewide water quality programs by providing technical direction, developing guidance, and assisting with conservation and regulatory initiatives. The work strengthens environmental protection efforts that address nutrient management, erosion control, and agricultural conservation practices. As a Water Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Support: Provide guidance to regional offices and conservation districts on agricultural regulatory requirements
• Contract Oversight: Administer contracts for Chesapeake Bay engineering and technical assistance programs
• Technical Guidance: Develop manuals and training materials for agricultural nutrient and sediment control practices
• Agency Coordination: Collaborate with state and federal partners on conservation and watershed planning initiatives
• Compliance Assistance: Advise field staff on complex enforcement issues related to manure management and erosion control
• Data Management: Maintain program data in statewide systems and analyze information for reporting and planning

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 requires travel throughout the state 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 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.

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.

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's 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.

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 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.