Environmental Trainee/Sanitarian

Posting number: CS-2026-60069-75400

Department: Department of Environmental Protection

Division: EP NWRO Sf Drnkg Wtr

Job classification: Environmental Trainee

Posting type: SCSC E&T Vacancy

Categories: Environmental Services

Join the Department of Environmental Protection as a Sanitarian Trainee and make a direct impact on community health! This role offers a chance to learn essential skills while supporting safe public water systems across the state. You will grow your knowledge through hands-on work and real-world experiences. The Sanitarian Trainee position gives you a strong start toward a rewarding environmental career.

This position focuses on learning and practicing the responsibilities involved in supporting the Safe Drinking Water Program. The incumbent will participate in a one-year formal and on-the-job training program to learn the duties of a Sanitarian. As a Sanitarian Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Support:Apply program goals and objectives within your assigned area
• Action Planning:Develop an action plan based on evaluated needs and follow it with flexibility
• Field Judgment:Use technical knowledge, statutes, and policies to make professional decisions during field activities
• Record Keeping:Maintain accurate records of activities and hours to track progress
• Public Conduct:Demonstrate professional behavior when working with the public, clients, and staff
• Emergency Response:Respond to private water supply issues, drought conditions, flooding, and other emergencies

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

• 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 three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

You must meet the PA residency requirement.

• 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 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.

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Telework:You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. 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 Meadville. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary:Most selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs.

• 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.