Environmental Engineering Trainee

Salary: $67,658.00 - $80,646.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-56253-14510
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP SCRO Clean Wtr
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 14510
Position Number: 00070583
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST06
Bureau / Division Code: 00354360
Bureau / Division: Southcentral Regional Office, Clean Water
Worksite Address: 909 Elmerton Avenue
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: Alison Zener
Contact Email: [click to reveal email address] View email address on us.fitly.work

THE POSITION
Join the Department of Environmental Protection as an Environmental Engineering Trainee and take the first step toward a rewarding career in clean water protection. This role offers hands-on learning guided by experienced engineers who are committed to your growth. You will build real world skills while supporting efforts that protect community waterways. Bring your enthusiasm and interest in environmental work to a team that values dedication and public service.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports engineering reviews and permit evaluations that help protect water quality and ensure compliance with environmental laws. The role provides training and guidance to help you learn essential permitting, analysis, and inspection tasks. As an Environmental Engineering Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Permit Support: Assist with reviewing permit applications and evaluating facility performance
• System Review: Help examine wastewater and industrial treatment systems for completeness and proper operation
• Field Activities: Participate in surveys and inspections to observe facility conditions and gather information
• Water Modeling: Learn to analyze stream data and run water quality simulations under supervision
• Data Entry: Maintain accurate information in tracking systems and electronic databases
• Technical Communication: Work with applicants and officials to address questions and gather needed details

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) 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 $67,658 (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 experience in environmental engineering, and possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
• A bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, or in any engineering field that includes or is supplemented by 9 credits in environmental engineering.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Conditions 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.

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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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our

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

Condition of Employment - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02

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

Have you successfully completed, or are you within three months of completing, a conferred bachelor's degree or higher in environmental engineering, or any engineering field that includes 9 credits in environmental engineering?
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 transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "Yes" to 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.

• Yes
• No

04

If you are within three months of completing a conferred bachelor's degree or higher in environmental engineering, or any engineering field that includes 9 credits in environmental engineering, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.
05

Do you possess a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please provide the issuing state and certificate number. If you answered "No", type N/A in the textbox below.
07

Do you possess one year of full-time experience in environmental engineering?

• Yes
• No

08

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.
09

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

10

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - REVIEW PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS Reviews permit applications and other authorizations associated with construction stormwater and water obstruction and encroachment programs to ensure completeness, adequacy of design, accuracy of calculations, appropriate operation and maintenance requirements, conformance to department policy and guidance, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Identifies technical deficiencies and recommends additional measures where applicable. Prepares decision review documents to support permit recommendations. Prepares permit documents and appropriate special conditions. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience preparing or reviewing technical ENVIRONMENTAL engineering documents to identify technical deficiencies or for completeness and accuracy.
• B. I have experience preparing or reviewing technical engineering documents to identify technical deficiencies or for completeness and accuracy in ANY OTHER engineering discipline.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to environmental engineering or engineering economics.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

11

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. Your experience preparing and/or reviewing technical engineering documents and the type(s) of documents.
3. The specific duties you performed and your level of responsibility.

12

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

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - CONDUCT INSPECTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE Conducts inspections to determine compliance with engineering design plans and specifications, permit requirements, and applicable rules, regulations, and statutes. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience conducting inspections to determine compliance with the requirements of a permit.
• B. I have experience conducting inspections to determine compliance with engineering design plans, specifications, or regulations. I did not determine compliance with the requirements of a permit.
• C. I have experience reviewing engineering design plans and specifications for engineering or construction projects. I do not have experience determining compliance.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to engineering design, computer aided design (CAD), or compliance.
• E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

14

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. Your experience conducting inspections to determine compliance.
3. Your experience reviewing engineering design plans and specifications.
4. The specific duties you performed and your level of responsibility.

15

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

16

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Provides technical assistance to applicants, consultants, staff, and the public regarding environmental rules and regulations, and the policies and application requirements for the Department of Environmental Protection's Construction Stormwater and Water Obstruction and Encroachment Programs. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing technical assistance to internal AND external parties regarding environmental rules and regulations.
• B. I have experience providing technical assistance to internal OR external parties regarding environmental rules and regulations.
• C. I have experience providing technical assistance NOT related to environmental rules and regulations.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking or communication.
• E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

17

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. Your experience providing technical assistance.
3. The topic(s) of the information provided and to whom.
4. The specific duties you performed and your level of responsibility.

18

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

19

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Corresponds in writing with other staff, the regulated community, and the public on matters related to environmental assessments, public notices, environmental compliance requirements, and construction plans/specifications for construction stormwater and water obstruction and encroachment projects. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience writing technical documents/letters. I had the final responsibility for the completed product.
• B. I have experience drafting technical document/letters. Someone else had the final responsibility for the completed product.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical writing, business writing, or English composition.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

20

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. Your experience writing/drafting technical documents/letters.
3. The specific duties you performed and your level of responsibility.

21

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

Required Question