Solid Waste Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Ignite your commitment to environmental stewardship by stepping into a rewarding and impactful career! The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is on the lookout for a passionate Solid Waste Specialist Trainee who is eager to learn the intricacies of safeguarding the health of Pennsylvania's residents and its natural surroundings. In this vital role, you will be responsible for conducting thorough inspections of solid waste facilities, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices. Your contributions will be instrumental in tackling pressing environmental issues and fostering a positive change within the community. By helping to manage and remediate hazardous sites, you will play a key part in promoting a cleaner, safer environment for everyone. Join us in our mission to create a sustainable future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around you!

The Solid Waste Specialist plays an essential role in ensuring that the Department meets its obligation to protect public health and the environment by overseeing compliance with state laws and regulations related to solid waste management across the three counties served by the Reading District Office. This position requires a deep understanding of the relevant statutes within the Commonwealth, as well as the capability to devise and implement effective strategies that encourage adherence to these legal requirements. The Specialist is responsible for conducting regular inspections to assess compliance, offering guidance to local governments and organizations, and spearheading educational programs designed to raise awareness about best practices in solid waste management. Through these efforts, the Specialist not only helps to reduce potential environmental risks but also cultivates a culture of compliance and sustainability within the communities they serve, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment for all.

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.
• This position may require travel as needed.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time upon successful completion of training period. 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 Reading. 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:

• A bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or
• Four years of technical experience 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 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.

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.