Air Quality Specialist Trainee

About the Role

Embark upon a meaningful career as an Air Quality Specialist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In this role, you will learn the skills necessary to help protect public health by monitoring air quality issues across the region. You will work with various facilities, investigate potential problems, and support efforts that improve environmental conditions.

Description of Work

This trainee position provides structured training and field exposure to support air quality inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities. Your work will include observing inspection techniques, reviewing reports, learning regulations, and conducting supervised field tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspection Support: Observe field inspections, learn evaluation methods, and assist in reviewing facility operations
• Report Preparation: Draft inspection memos, document findings, and help maintain schedules for required activities
• Sample Collection: Collect materials for lab analysis to support compliance reviews and pollution investigations
• Complaint Follow-Up: Participate in investigating citizen complaints and identifying potential air quality issues
• Regulatory Learning: Study state and federal air quality laws, guidelines, and program requirements
• Field Assistance: Support specialists with data entry, monitoring tasks, and preparation for enforcement actions

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment
• Work hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position requires travel.
• Telework: Opportunity for full-time telework, requiring a securely configured high-speed internet connection and an approved location within Pennsylvania. Option to report to the headquarters office in Williamsport if unable to telework. Telework ability is subject to change.
• Salary: $46,827.00 annually for new Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees.

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.
• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered eligible if they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements

• Possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• Must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport.
• Must meet the PA residency requirement.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed.
• Information to support eligibility must be provided on the application.
• Attach a copy of college transcripts if claiming education to meet minimum requirements.
• Application must be submitted by the posting closing date.
• Generative AI tools may be used for preparation purposes only; misuse is not permitted.

Examination Information

• Completing the application and supplemental questions serves as the exam.
• Score is based on information provided on the application.
• Results will be provided via email.