Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Salary $46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually Location Lackawanna County, PA Job Type Civil Service Permanent Full-Time Job Number CS-2026-60561-75400 Department Department of Environmental Protection Division EP DOG NCDO Opening Date 10/15/2026 Closing Date 10/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Job Code 75400 Position Number 50297310 Union AFSCME Bargaining Unit B4 Pay Group ST05 Bureau / Division Code 00358210 Bureau / Division District Oil and Gas Operations, Northcentral District Office Worksite Address 321 Biden Street City Scranton, Pennsylvania Zip Code 18503 Contact Name OA, CE DEP Contact Email [email protected] THE POSITION Make a strong impact on Pennsylvania communities as a Water Quality Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection! This role gives you the chance to learn important skills that protect water sources and support safe environmental practices. You will gain field experience, work with experts, and grow into a vital member of the team. This is a great opportunity to start a career that helps safeguard public health! DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position supports inspections, field investigations, and training activities that help protect water quality and ensure compliance with environmental laws. The work builds the foundation needed to become a skilled Water Quality Specialist. As a Water Quality Specialist Trainee, you will perform the following duties: 1. Regulatory Inspections: Conduct inspections of oil and gas activities to check compliance with environmental laws and pollution prevention measures 2. Complaint Response: Investigate citizen complaints about water supply issues or environmental damage 3. Sampling Work: Take water, wastewater, and sediment samples and use scientific instruments during field investigations 4. Enforcement Support: Notify operators of violations and assist with enforcement actions and case documentation 5. Plan Reviews: Review environmental plans and request additional information needed to make them acceptable 6. Data Entry: Input inspection, sampling, and investigation details into departmental electronic systems 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. Some travel may be necessary for required trainings. 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 Scranton. 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 nce they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree. Special Requirements: 1. All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license. Other Requirements: 1. You must meet thePA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 2. 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. ... For full info follow application link. 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.