Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Do you have a passion for science and a commitment to public health? Would you like to play a meaningful role in protecting the air that your fellow Pennsylvanian's breathe every day? If so, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may have the position for you! We are eager to welcome a dependable Air Quality Specialist Trainee to join our team of professionals within the Southcentral Regional Office. Here, you will learn how to effectively engage in a mix of fieldwork and analytical tasks as you monitor facilities and support efforts that keep our communities safe. Apply today to turn your dedication to the environment into a career of impact!

At the trainee level, you will participate in a comprehensive 12-month training program in which you will receive increased supervision as well as formal and on-the-job training. This trainee program is designed to equip you with the skills needed to fulfill the duties of an Air Quality Specialist and to effectively implement the goals of the Air Quality Program. Within this role, you will acquire the skills necessary to support the regulation of facilities to ensure they meet state and federal air quality requirements. You will learn how to conduct inspections, review reports, and assist with enforcement activities within the Southcentral Region. As an Air Quality Specialist Trainee, you will learn how to perform the following duties:

• Inspection Activities: Conduct routine and follow up inspections to evaluate compliance with air quality regulations and permit conditions
• Report Preparation: Complete inspection reports, document findings, and enter required information into department data systems
• Enforcement Support: Review violations, assist with enforcement actions, and participate in compliance discussions with regulated entities
• Emission Review: Evaluate emission inventory data and follow up on errors, missing information, or reporting gaps
• Communication Duties: Provide updates to supervisors, coordinate with permit staff, and respond to complaints received from the public
• Field Coordination: Travel to facilities, collect samples when needed, and observe stack testing activities

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.
• Travel is required as necessary.
• 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 Harrisburg. 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 $45,907.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

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 Requirement:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle 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 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, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers 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.

• 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.