Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

THE POSITION

Begin your journey as an Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee) with the Department of Environmental Protection. This role gives you hands-on experience as you learn how to carry out air quality monitoring and compliance tasks. You will receive guidance and training that prepare you for future responsibilities in the Air Quality Program. Take the first step toward a meaningful environmental career.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the Air Quality Program by learning how to conduct inspections, review environmental data, and respond to public concerns. As an Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee), you will perform the following duties:

• Inspection Support: Assist with reviewing facilities and checking compliance with air quality requirements
• Enforcement Assistance: Help document issues, gather information, and support steps needed to correct violations
• Data Entry: Input information into required systems while ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Complaint Response: Take part in investigating air pollution concerns and conducting follow-up actions
• Sampling Activities: Participate in collecting air samples and observing testing procedures
• Program Learning: Develop knowledge of regulations, environmental practices, and program procedures through training

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 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 Wilkes Barre. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $45,907 (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:

• Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or
• A bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• 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.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• 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.
• 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, o