Environmental Engineering Specialist (Environmental Engineer Trainee)

The Department of Environmental Protection is actively looking to hire an Environmental Engineering Specialist. This role entails engaging in engineering tasks related to hydrology and hydraulics, which are essential for executing statewide initiatives focused on waterway and floodplain management, as outlined by the Dam Safety and Encroachment Act, The Clean Streams Law, and the Flood Plain Management Act. The responsibilities associated with this position will be carried out under the guidance and supervision of a qualified licensed professional engineer within the Permits Section of the Program.

In the event that the position is filled at the Environmental Engineering Trainee level, the selected candidate will embark on a comprehensive one-year training program that combines formal education with practical, on-the-job experience to acquire the skills necessary for the role of an Environmental Engineering Specialist. Do not miss the opportunity to apply today!

The employee will undertake a diverse range of responsibilities within a designated geographical region of the Commonwealth, focusing on the oversight of facilities to ensure adherence to the Commonwealth's established Rules and Regulations, permits, and environmental legislation.

In terms of general roles and responsibilities, the employee is expected to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), evaluate permit applications, and prepare draft Records of Decision (ROD). They will also input relevant data into the eFacts system, compose deficiency letters that include regulatory citations, and identify challenges faced while proposing solutions to the Section Chief. The employee will conduct engineering assessments of erosion and sedimentation control plans, as well as post-construction stormwater management plans submitted with permit applications, utilizing the Department's Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual and Stormwater BMP Manual as guiding documents.

Specific tasks involve scrutinizing hydrologic and hydraulic calculations, designing and implementing conveyance channels and best management practices, and evaluating stabilization measures, construction methodologies, material specifications, and soil and agronomic factors. The employee will also provide technical support to Conservation District staff in their review of erosion and sedimentation control or post-construction stormwater management plans for proposed project sites. Additionally, they will carry out inspections of existing category 1 and 2 dams according to the schedule set by the Division of Dam Safety, producing written reports that detail the current conditions. Inspections of permitted dams under construction will also be performed, with written reports documenting their status and progress. Furthermore, the employee will address complaints related to dams, stream encroachments, water obstructions, earthmoving activities, post-construction stormwater management BMP implementation, and wetlands, making jurisdictional determinations, providing technical assistance, and recommending solutions to rectify any violations encountered.

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 a 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.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $64,861.00 (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:

• One year of experience in environmental engineering, and possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
• A bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, or in any engineering field that includes or is supplemented by 9 credits in environmental engineering.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

• 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.

• 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 will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• 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.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• 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.