THE POSITION

Looking to start an exciting career in the field of environmental protection? Want to put your bachelor's degree in a physical, biological or engineering field to good use? Don't want to be tied to a desk? Look no further than to Environmental Trainee opportunities with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)!

DEP has immediate openings for college graduates with no professional environmental protection experience required! We are seeking environmentally friendly and energetic individuals who are committed to protecting and preserving Pennsylvania's resources through the regulation of air, water, waste, mining, radiation sources, and oil and gas.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Environmental Trainees are hired into a 12-month training program, which consists of on-the-job training to learn the duties of an environmental inspector in a specific environmental field. Employees in the trainee job will learn applicable regulations and policies and assist more experienced employees in performing inspections of assigned facilities. Trainees may become Safe Drinking Water inspectors, Storage Tanks inspectors, Wastewater Treatment Plant inspectors, Air Quality inspectors, among others.

Travel is required for these positions but does not typically include overnight stays. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. DEP vehicles can be signed out to facilitate travel to and from inspection sites. Inspections may require employees to negotiate uneven or rough terrain, sometimes while carrying test equipment.

Employees who complete the Environmental Trainee year often move on to higher-level specialist and supervisory job titles in the future.

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) full-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Meadville.
• 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

• 
  You must have successfully examined and have a current score on file. If you have not already done so, you must first apply to the ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINEE (ONLINE EXAM) posting and follow the directions provided.
• 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.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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.

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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, six 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 www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.