Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

**Closing Date:**11/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern ## ## THE POSITION Are you ready for an exciting profession where you can help protect Pennsylvania communities by identifying and addressing air pollution concerns? Embark upon a meaningful career as an Air Quality Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In this role, you will learn the skills necessary to help protect public health by monitoring air quality issues across the region. You will work with various facilities, investigate potential problems, and support efforts that improve environmental conditions. Apply today to join a mission-driven agency committed to safeguarding Pennsylvania's air and promoting responsible industry practices! ## DESCRIPTION OF WORK This trainee position provides structured training and field exposure to support air quality inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities. Your work will include observing inspection techniques, reviewing reports, learning regulations, and conducting supervised field tasks. As an Air Quality Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties: 1. Inspection Support: Observe field inspections, learn evaluation methods, and assist in reviewing facility operations 2. Report Preparation: Draft inspection memos, document findings, and help maintain schedules for required activities 3. Sample Collection: Collect materials for lab analysis to support compliance reviews and pollution investigations 4. Complaint Follow-Up: Participate in investigating citizen complaints and identifying potential air quality issues 5. Regulatory Learning: Study state and federal air quality laws, guidelines, and program requirements 6. Field Assistance: Support specialists with data entry, monitoring tasks, and preparation for enforcement actions Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information: 1. Full-time employment 2. Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. 3. This position requires travel. 4. 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 Williamsport. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview. 5. Salary: ** Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827.00 (before taxes). 6. 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: 1. Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or 2. A bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or 3. An equivalent combination of experience and training. 4. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree. Special Requirement: 1. All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license. Other Requirements: 1. 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 2. You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more inform tion on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 3. You must be able to perform essential job functions. How to Apply: 1. 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). 2. 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. 3. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. 4. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 5. 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: 1. 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 www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 1. 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 in