This job is closed
Applications are no longer available for this announcement. Explore current related opportunities below.
Job description
Salary
$46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually
Location
Washington County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-
Department
Department of Environmental Protection
Division
EP DOG SWDO
Opening Date
09/25/2026
Closing Date
10/9/ :59 PM Eastern
Job Code
75400
Position Number
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
B4
Pay Group
ST05
Bureau / Division Code
Bureau / Division
Oil and Gas
Worksite Address
25 Technology Drive
City
Coal Center, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
15423
Contact Name
Rob Konowitch
Contact Email
THE POSITION
The Water Quality Specialist Trainee position with the Department of Environmental Protection is an exciting chance to begin a career protecting Pennsylvania's natural resources. This role gives you the opportunity to learn field investigation skills and understand how environmental laws are applied. You will gain confidence while working with experienced professionals who guide you through real-world inspections and environmental responses. This is a meaningful path for anyone motivated to support clean water and safe communities.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on learning inspection, sampling, investigation, and enforcement practices through a structured training program. As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
Field Inspections: Conduct inspections of oil and gas sites to document conditions and evaluate compliance with environmental laws
Complaint Response: Investigate citizen complaints by collecting samples, interpreting data, and documenting findings for review
Enforcement Support: Notify operators of violations, assist in preparing enforcement actions, and participate in case documentation
Plan Review: Review environmental plans and documents submitted by operators to ensure alignment with regulations
Sample Collection: Collect and preserve environmental samples and use scientific instruments to support investigations
Data Management: Input inspection and investigation information into electronic databases according to required standards
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 Coal Center. 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 Requirements:
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.
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.
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.