Environmental Engineering Specialist

If you care about the environment and are looking for a career that allows you to actively protect the health and safety of Pennsylvania's residents and natural surroundings, this could be the perfect job for you! We are excited to announce an opening for the Environmental Engineering Specialist position. In this role, you will deepen your knowledge of hydrology and hydraulics while working in the Permit Section of the Waterways and Wetlands Program. You will help implement important statewide initiatives related to Dam Safety, Waterways Management, Floodplain Management, and Erosion and Sediment Control, all aimed at creating a cleaner and safer Pennsylvania.

In this position, you will be responsible for reviewing technical permit applications in accordance with the Dams Safety and Encroachments Act, specifically Chapters 105 and 106. This includes evaluating the hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for proposed water obstruction and encroachment projects, as well as reviewing 105 General Permits, waiver requests, and various project submissions. Your role will involve a thorough examination and analysis of permit applications from individuals, corporations, municipal agencies, and state and federal entities, ensuring that engineering challenges related to hydrologic and hydraulic design are effectively addressed to meet the Department's Rules and Regulations. You will apply both traditional and modern techniques in hydraulics and hydrologic analyses, utilizing computer modeling and understanding the construction methods and theories behind hydraulic structures like bridges, culverts, and flood control projects. Additionally, you will assist Conservation Districts in reviewing NPDES Storm Water Construction permit applications under Chapter 102, which is part of the statewide Erosion and Sedimentation Control program mandated by the Clean Streams Law. This involves assessing erosion and sediment control plans and post-construction stormwater management strategies for a range of construction projects, from small residential sites to large industrial developments, using the Department's manuals and policies as guidelines.

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 Pittsburgh. 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 $69,203 (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:

• Successful completion of the training program for Environmental Engineering Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of professional 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
• One year of professional experience in environmental engineering, and possession of a valid Professional Engineer license issued by 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 environmental engineering or in any engineering field that includes or is supplemented by 9 credits in environmental engineering.
• Graduate study in environmental engineering or in a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Conditions of Employment:

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• 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.
• 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.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.