Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee (Seasonal) - Laurel Hill State Park Complex

THE POSITION

Do you want to learn how essential water systems work while helping to protect Pennsylvania’s parks and natural spaces? Join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee and begin a hands-on path towards a meaningful career. This role introduces you to the daily operation of wastewater systems that help keep park facilities safe and functional. Here, you will learn important mechanical, chemical, and safety skills while working alongside experienced operators. Apply today to start a rewarding profession where your growth supports clean water and healthy natural spaces!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems by learning core processes, assisting with equipment care, and performing water tests. Through your work, you will help to ensure that park facilities operate safely and meet environmental standards. As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• System Operation: Assist with the operation and monitoring of pumps, motors, valves, filters, and related treatment equipment
• Water Testing: Collect samples and conduct chemical tests to evaluate pH, chlorine levels, solids, and oxygen demand
• Record Keeping: Help prepare required reports, read meters, and maintain maintenance and testing records
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and minor repairs on treatment facilities and related structures
• Plumbing Tasks: Make basic plumbing repairs to waterlines, sewer lines, and buildings with treatment fixtures
• Facility Upkeep: Clean and maintain plant buildings, lift stations, grounds, and related areas
  
  

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2026 until November 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment approximately in March 2027.
• Work will be scheduled 5 days/37.5 hours per week, and will include a 30-minute lunch. Work days and shifts will vary and will include holidays, weekends, and evenings.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position .
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Six months of building maintenance or trades experience ; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
  
  

Special Requirements:

• All employees must obtain, within the probationary period, a valid Operator’s Certificate, or an Operator in Training Designation issued by the Pennsylvania State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators as a wastewater treatment plant operator that is equal to or greater than the classification and subclassification of the wastewater system to be operated or maintained.
• This position requires p ossession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.
  
  

Other Requirements:

• 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.
  
  

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
  
  

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:

• 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.
  
  

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.



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.