Water Program Specialist

Water Program Specialist

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Water Program Specialist

Salary

$69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-57364-75670

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP BWEW Wtlnds Encrchmt Trng D

Opening Date

08/31/2026

Closing Date

9/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

75670

Position Number

00085913

Union

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

B3

Pay Group

ST08

Bureau / Division Code

00353150

Worksite Address

400 Market Street

City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17101

Contact Name

OA, CE DEP

Contact Email

[email protected]

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands, Wetlands, Encroachment and Training Division

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

THE POSITION

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a candidate who is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvania's citizens and environment. In this role, you will help guide environmental policies and support critical restoration initiatives. Your contributions will strengthen water quality and natural habitats across Pennsylvania. If you are interested in furthering your career as a Water Program Specialist, we encourage you to apply today to become a part of our team!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports statewide wetland and waterway initiatives by guiding program development, technical assessments, regulatory implementation, and applying comprehensive understanding of the Commonwealth’s environmental protection programs to resolve complex and interrelated environmental problems. As a Water Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Guidance:Provide direction on statewide wetland and waterway policies and procedures

• Technical Expertise:Apply knowledge of environmental regulations to support restoration and mitigation activities

• Data Management:Maintain accurate and complete entries across DEP electronic data systems

• Stakeholder Support:Assist regional offices, conservation districts, and partner agencies with program implementation

• Project Evaluation:Assess wetland and waterway restoration efforts through field investigations and technical reviews

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00085913) .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment

• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.

• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to three 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

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:

• This position requires federally compliant identification such as a U.S. Passport, REAL ID, or Military ID at the time of conditional job offer.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency Guidelines.

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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 (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/hrmoa/resources/generative-ai-hiring-guidance) 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 www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html 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/testoncefor this posting.

• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov 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 the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If you answered “No” type N/A in the box.

03

Do you possess 3 or more years of full-time professional environmental protection experience?

• 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 experiencemustalso 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

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. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer 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 work behavior 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 for each work behavior 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 ourFAQ page. (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3)

• Yes

06

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – DEVELOPS, IMPLEMENTS, MAINTAINS AND EVALUATES A WATERWAYS AND WETLANDS PROGRAMDevelops, implements, maintains, and evaluates the permitting, monitoring, and compliance activities of a statewide waterways and wetlands program to ensure consistency in implementation and that technical requirements are met.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing OR evaluating the permitting, monitoring, and compliance activities of a statewide waterways and wetlands program to ensure consistency in implementation and that technical requirements are met.

• B. I have experience implementing OR maintaining the permitting, monitoring, and compliance activities of a statewide waterways and wetlands program to ensure consistency in implementation and that technical requirements are met. I DO NOT have experience DEVELOPING or EVALUATING the program.

• C. I have experience preparing or reviewing applications for water obstruction and encroachment permits, and similar authorizations directly related to waterways and wetlands programs in Pennsylvania or any other state.

• D. I have experience preparing or reviewing applications for ANY environmental permit; OR I have experience maintaining, evaluating the permitting, monitoring or compliance activities for ANY environmental program.

• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to water quality or air quality.

• F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

07

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.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• The setting in which you developed, implemented, maintained, or evaluated the permitting, monitoring, and compliance activities of a statewide waterways and wetlands program.

• Details regarding the development, implementation, maintenance, or evaluation of permitting, monitoring, and compliance activities of a statewide waterways and wetlands program.

• The type of environmental permit that you prepared or reviewed.

08

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.

• College/University

• Course Title(s)

• Credits/Clock Hours

09

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - TRAININGAssesses the need for, develops, delivers, and evaluates administrative and technical training programs related to the waterways and wetlands program for county conservation districts, office staff, other agencies, and the public. Makes improvements to the training program based on changes to environmental and technical standards and/or evaluation results.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience ASSESSING the need for, DEVELOPING, DELIVERING, and EVALUATING administrative and technical training programs related to WATERWAYS AND WETLANDS. I have experience MAKING IMPROVEMENTS to the training program based on changes to environmental and technical standards and/or evaluation results.

• B. I have experience ASSESSING the need for, DEVELOPING, DELIVERING, and EVALUATING administrative and technical training programs in ANY FIELD.

• C. I have experience ASSESSING the need for and EVALUATING training associated with WATERWAYS AND WETLANDS.

• D. I have experience DELIVERING training programs, but have NOT assessed the need for, developed, or evaluated training programs or made improvements in ANY FIELD.

• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking, speech and communications, or adult learning.

• F. I have NO experience or training 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.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• The setting in which you conducted training if other than WATERWAYS AND WETLANDS.

• Details regarding you assessing, developing, delivering, and evaluating training programs.

• The actual duties you performed.

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.

• College/University

• Course Title(s)

• Credits/Clock Hours

12

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – DATA MANAGEMENTAnalyzes waterways and wetlands program data entered into computer systems to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, rectify data rejection issues, and generate reports for use by government entities, environmental groups, agency personnel, clients, or the general public.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience analyzing waterways and wetlands program data entered into computer systems to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and rectify data rejection issues; and I have experience generating reports for use by government entities, environmental groups, agency personnel, clients, or the general public.

• B. I have experience analyzing waterways, wetlands, or other water program data entered into computer systems to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and rectify data rejection issues. I DO NOT have experience generating reports for use by government entities, environmental groups, agency personnel, clients, or the general public.

• C. I have experience generating reports for use by government entities, environmental groups, agency personnel, clients, or the general public. I DO NOT have experience analyzing any water program data.

• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data management or computer science.

• F. I have NO experience or training 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.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• The type(s) of data you analyzed.

• For whom were these reports generated.

• The actual duties you performed.

14

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.

• College/University

• Course Title(s)

• Credits/Clock Hours

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - REVIEWS AND INTERPRETS STATUTES AND REGULATIONS AND ASSESSES IMPACTReviews and interprets waterways and wetlands-related federal and state statutes and regulations, and potential or proposed changes to those statutes and regulations. Assesses the impact of any such potential or proposed changes on program policies and procedures.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience reviewing and interpreting waterways and wetlands-related federal and state statutes and regulations, and potential or proposed changes to those statutes and regulations. I have experience assessing the impact of any such potential or proposed changes on program policies and procedures.

• B. I have experience reviewing and interpreting waterways and wetlands-related federal and state statutes and regulations, and potential or proposed changes to those statutes and regulations. I DO NOT have experience assessing the impact of any such potential or proposed changes on program policies and procedures.

• C. I have experience reviewing and interpreting environmental-related federal and state statutes and regulations, and potential or proposed changes to those statues and regulations.

• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to this work behavior.

• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

16

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.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• The type(s) of statutes and regulations you reviewed.

• The type(s) of statutes and regulations you interpreted.

• The type(s) of statutes and regulations for which you assessed the impact.

• The actual duties you performed.

17

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.

• College/University

• Course Title(s)

• Credits/Clock Hours

18

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONResponds in writing to the general public, government personnel, and the regulated community seeking public information concerning waterways and wetlands permitting, monitoring, and compliance status and/or activitiesLevels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience responding in writing to the general public, government personnel, and the regulated community seeking public information concerning WATERWAYS AND WETLANDS permitting, monitoring, and compliance status and/or activities.

• B. I have experience responding in writing to the general public, government personnel, and the regulated community seeking public information concerning ANY environmental permitting.

• C. I have experience responding in writing to the general public or customers seeking information concerning ANY topic.

• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to report writing, technical writing, business writing, or non-fiction writing.

• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

19

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.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• The type(s) of written communications you prepared.

• The topic(s) of your written communications.

20

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.

• College/University

• Course Title(s)

• Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov