Environmental Engineering Specialist

Step into a role that helps protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources as an Environmental Engineering Specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection. This position places you at the center of evaluating permits and supporting decisions that impact water quality and community well-being. You will work closely with engineers, applicants, and local officials while applying scientific and regulatory knowledge. This opportunity is ideal for someone who values environmental stewardship and meaningful public service.

This position supports environmental protection by reviewing water quality permits, analyzing discharges, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. It involves technical evaluation, communication with partners, and the use of computer models and data systems. As an Environmental Engineering Specialist, you will perform the following duties: Permit Evaluation: Review applications for NPDES and Water Quality Management permits to assess design and regulatory compliance Water Analysis: Evaluate stream conditions and establish effluent limits using modeling tools, policies, and guidance Field Investigations: Conduct site surveys to check construction and operational compliance with permit requirements Technical Documentation: Prepare reports, draft deficiency letters, and maintain accurate records in tracking systems Stakeholder Communication: Meet with applicants, engineers, and officials to discuss permitting needs and regulatory expectations Data Management: Enter and maintain required information in electronic systems to ensure accurate permit tracking 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. 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: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

This position supports environmental protection by reviewing water quality permits, analyzing discharges, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. It involves technical evaluation, communication with partners, and the use of computer models and data systems. As an Environmental Engineering Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

Permit Evaluation: Review applications for NPDES and Water Quality Management permits to assess design and regulatory compliance

Water Analysis: Evaluate stream conditions and establish effluent limits using modeling tools, policies, and guidance

Field Investigations: Conduct site surveys to check construction and operational compliance with permit requirements

Technical Documentation: Prepare reports, draft deficiency letters, and maintain accurate records in tracking systems

Stakeholder Communication: Meet with applicants, engineers, and officials to discuss permitting needs and regulatory expectations

Data Management: Enter and maintain required information in electronic systems to ensure accurate permit tracking

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

QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Successful completion of the Environmental Engineering Trainee (Commonwealth title) program; or One year of professional experience in environmental engineering and possession of an active Professional Engineer license issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or Two years of professional experience in environmental engineering and possession of an active Engineering Intern certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or One year of professional experience in environmental engineering and a bachelor’s degree in engineering; or An equivalent combination of experience and training. Graduate study in environmental engineering or in a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Special Requirements: This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license. Other Requirements: PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title. You must be able to perform essential job functions. This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations. Recruitment Methods: Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, Voluntary Demotion Reinstatement ( Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement. ) 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. 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

Successful completion of the Environmental Engineering Trainee (Commonwealth title) program; or

One year of professional experience in environmental engineering and possession of an active Professional Engineer license issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or

Two years of professional experience in environmental engineering and possession of an active Engineering Intern certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or

One year of professional experience in environmental engineering and a bachelor’s degree in engineering; or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Graduate study in environmental engineering or in a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Special Requirements:

This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.

You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, Voluntary Demotion Reinstatement ( Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement. )

Reassignment ( Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment .) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting,

Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting,

Transfer ( Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.) Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting,

Voluntary Demotion

Reinstatement ( Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement. )

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.

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.

01

Yes

No

02

03

04

05

2 years or more

1 but less than 2 years

Less than 1 year

06

07

08

09

10

11

60 credits or more

30 but less than 60 credits

Less than 30 credits

12

Required Question