Environmental Engineering Trainee

THE POSITION

The Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for passionate individuals committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of both the citizens and the environment of Pennsylvania. If you aspire to advance your career within the Commonwealth as an Environmental Engineering Trainee, we encourage you to submit your application today and join our dedicated team in making a positive impact!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Environmental Engineering Trainee (EET) role serves as an introductory professional position within an environmental regulatory framework. In this capacity, the EET is tasked with providing technical assistance under the supervision of experienced personnel, particularly in the preparation and issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. This includes engaging in negotiations related to Orders and Consent Orders for industrial cases where discharges fail to meet established Water Quality Criteria or Technology limitations, such as Best Available Technology (BAT), Best Conventional Technology (BCT), and Best Professional Technology (BPT). If the position is designated as an Environmental Engineer Trainee, the individual will undergo a comprehensive one-year training program that combines formal education with practical experience to develop the skills necessary for a career as an Environmental Engineer Specialist.

In addition to these responsibilities, the EET will evaluate various project proposals submitted to the Bureau, crafting written responses that outline current or anticipated departmental actions and the permitting requirements associated with the proposed initiatives. The trainee will also assess preliminary applications for industrial wastewater discharges, determining discharge limitations that align with state water quality standards and regional planning objectives. The review process for NPDES permit applications encompasses both new and existing wastewater discharges, ensuring adherence to water quality management goals, standards, and federal regulations, including technology limitations established through Best Professional Judgment. This role necessitates the regular use of a personal computer to operate water quality models, further enhancing the trainee's technical expertise in environmental engineering.

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 a 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 Pittsburgh.
• This position requires travel for site visits.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $64,861 (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 three 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid Non-commercial Class C 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.
• 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.

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 the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at .

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 benefits 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 visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.