Environmental Protection Specialist

THE POSITION

Are you ready for a career where you can help communities strengthen recycling and waste reduction efforts through meaningful environmental work? Join the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as an Environmental Protection Specialist and support programs that encourage responsible waste management. This role allows you to work directly with local officials, review important plans, and contribute to programs that benefit both communities and the environment. Do not miss this opportunity to enhance your professional skills while contributing to long-term environmental improvements. Apply today to step into a position where your dedication makes a positive difference every day!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

• 
  Grant Oversight: Review applications, conduct pre-application meetings, prioritize submissions, and coordinate funding recommendations
• Planning Support: Assist counties and municipalities with developing and updating solid waste management plans
• Technical Assistance: Provide guidance on recycling, resource recovery, waste minimization, and household hazardous waste programs
• Program Coordination: Work with regional and central staff to support effective recycling and waste reduction activities
• Compliance Review: Evaluate plans, registrations, and facility activities to ensure alignment with statutory requirements
• Record Management: Maintain tracking systems for grants, recycling programs, and municipal waste plan updates

• 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 Norristown. 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 $60,538.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

• One year of experience as a journey-level specialist in a waste management program; or
• Two years of experience in environmental protection and a bachelor's degree with major course work in biology, chemistry, or in a field closely related to environmental protection. A master's degree with major course work in any of the fields closely related to environmental protection may be substituted for one year of the required experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges and abilities.

• This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

• Eligibility rules apply.