Environmental Protection Compliance Specialist

Salary: $60,538.00 - $92,010.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-58606-14231
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP SCRO Wtrwy Wtlnds
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 14231
Position Number: 00201431
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B3
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00354310
Bureau / Division: Southcentral Regional Office, Waterways and Wetlands
Worksite Address: 909 Elmerton Avenue
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: Alison Zener
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION


Would you take pride in a career where your work directly supports clean water, healthy streams, and strong environmental protections? As an Environmental Protection Compliance Specialist for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), you will have the exciting opportunity to support essential water quality and environmental laws. This position allows you to work directly with field staff, conservation districts, and other partners to ensure compliance. You will help protect waterways and wetlands by applying clear rules and providing technical guidance. If you are seeking a meaningful way to contribute to environmental protection across the region, this may be the profession for you!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role focuses on ensuring compliance with water protection laws, reviewing referrals, and supporting enforcement procedures. You will help evaluate cases, prepare documents, and coordinate with conservation districts and other agencies. As an Environmental Protection Compliance Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Review Referrals: Evaluate compliance referrals for accuracy and completeness before enforcement steps
• Support Inspections: Accompany field staff during site inspections and meetings to assist with compliance efforts
• Prepare Documents: Draft Notices of Violation, Consent Assessments, and other compliance materials
• Facilitate Meetings: Lead compliance meetings and assist in training conservation district staff
• Track Compliance: Maintain records, monitor schedules, and request follow-up inspections when needed
• Coordinate Actions: Communicate enforcement activities with agencies and provide updates on complex cases

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the .
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.
• 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: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538.00 (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:

• One year of professional experience as a Sanitarian, Air Quality Specialist, Solid Waste Specialist, or Water Quality Specialist (Commonwealth job titles or equivalent Federal Government job titles, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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 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.

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.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01



Necessary Special Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered "Yes", please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the text box below.
03


Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Sanitarian, Air Quality Specialist, Solid Waste Specialist, or Water Quality Specialist for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

04


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05


Do you possess one or more years of full-time professional experience in environmental sanitation, air quality, solid waste management, water quality management, or other environmental compliance enforcement work?

• Yes
• No

06


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07


How much graduate coursework have you completed in a physical science, biological science, or a closely related environmental science field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• 30 or more credits
• 15 but less than 30 credits
• Less than 15 credits
• None

08


You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

09



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - RESEARCHES, COLLECTS, ANALYZES, AND INTERPRETS ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT CASE INFORMATION
Researches, collects, analyzes, and interprets environmental enforcement case information and applicable environmental laws, rules, and regulations for the purpose of determining violations of those environmental laws, rules, and regulations.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have independently researched, collected, analyzed, and interpreted environmental enforcement case information and applicable environmental laws, rules, and regulations in order to determine what, if any, environmental laws were violated. I determined what environmental enforcement case information needed to be collected. I researched, analyzed, and interpreted case information and applicable environmental laws, rules, and regulations. I determined what violations existed, if any, of applicable environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
• B. I have assisted others in collecting environmental enforcement case information and researching applicable environmental laws, rules, and regulations in order for others to determine what, if any, environmental laws were violated.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to environmental law, risk management, research, or graduate thesis.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

10


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The brief synopsis of the case and which environmental laws were involved (you do not have to provide specific, identifying case information).
3. The actual duties you performed.
4. Your level of responsibility (assisted with collecting and researching information, determined violations, etc.).

11


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

12



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - PREPARES VIOLATION DOCUMENTS
Prepares violation documents indicating violations discovered, appropriate environmental rules and regulations, corrective action required, penalty assessments, and establishing time limits in order to bring facilities into compliance with environmental laws, rules, and regulations.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have prepared violation documents in order to bring facilities into compliance with environmental laws, rules, and regulations. These documents included: violations discovered, appropriate environmental rules/regulations, corrective action required, penalty assessments, and time limits for corrective action.
• B. I have reviewed and responded to violation documents received by the facility where I worked. I was responsible for ensuring the timely completion of corrective action in order to bring the facility into compliance with environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
• C. I have prepared violation documents in order to bring facilities/businesses into compliance with laws, rules, and regulations in any other field (e.g., agriculture, health, construction, etc.). These documents included: violations discovered; appropriate laws, rules and regulations; corrective action required; penalty assessments; and time limits for corrective action.
• D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

13


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The level of responsibility for the violation documents (prepared or reviewed and responded).
3. The type(s) of information included in the violation documents you prepared or reviewed.
4. The actual duties you performed.

14



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Prepares environmental case summary reports, responses to inquiries, or other written correspondence and documents based on interpretation and comprehension of environmental law, case study documents, regulations, investigations, and agency goals.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience writing environmental case summary reports, responses to inquiries, or other written correspondence based on my comprehension of environmental law, case study documents, regulations, investigations, and agency goals. I was responsible for the accuracy and content of the complete document.
• B. I have experience writing portions or sections of environmental case summary reports, responses to inquiries, or other written correspondence based on my comprehension of environmental law, case study documents, regulations, investigations, and agency goals. Someone more experienced than myself was responsible for the accuracy and content of the completed document.
• C. I have experience preparing basic, routine reports such as weekly or monthly reports, progress reports, or activity reports.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical writing, report writing, or non-fiction writing.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

15


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The type(s) of written documents you prepared (reports, letters, etc.).
3. The actual duties you performed.
4. Your level of responsibility of the documents' content (portions of the document or the complete document).

16


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

17



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PROVIDES TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
Provides technical guidance and consultation to facility operators, municipal officials, and consultants on state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, and statutes in order to bring facilities into environmental compliance.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have provided technical guidance and consultation services to a variety of personnel such as facility operators, municipal officials, and consultants on state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, and statutes in order to bring facilities into environmental compliance.
• B. I have read and interpreted state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, and statutes; however, I have only provided technical guidance to other staff within the facility where I worked.
• C. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

18


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. What state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, and statutes you provided technical guidance on.
3. The job titles/occupations you provided technical guidance to (note if these persons worked within your facility or outside your facility).
4. The actual duties you performed.

Required Question