Demo

Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

Commonwealth of PA
Northampton, PA Other
POSTED ON 1/28/2026 CLOSED ON 2/9/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee) position at Commonwealth of PA?

THE POSITION

Do you have a passion for science and a commitment to public health? Would you like to play a role in protecting the air that your fellow Pennsylvanian's breathe every day? If so, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may have the position for you! We are eager to welcome an versatile and dependable Air Quality Specialist Trainee to join our team of professionals. Here, you will learn how to conduct sampling, compliance monitoring, and enforcement duties to ensure facilities within the Commonwealth remain compliant with Air Quality Control Act and the rules and regulations of the department. Apply today to turn your dedication to the environment into a career of impact!


DESCRIPTION OF WORK

At the Environmental Trainee level, you will participate in a comprehensive 12-month training program in which you will receive increased supervision as well as formal and on-the-job training. This trainee program is designed to equip you with the skills needed to fulfill the duties of an Air Quality Specialist and to effectively implement the goals of the Air Quality Program.

As an Air Quality Specialist Trainee, you will learn how to conduct inspection and compliance activities within the region on commercial and industrial facilities. Duties will involve planning and implementing an inspection schedule for sources under permit and those on the compliance monitoring schedule. You will learn how to conduct inspections of control equipment and air pollution sources to ensure compliance with permit conditions, department regulations, and applicable federal regulations. You will further have the opportunity to participate in enforcement actions such as investigating air pollution complaints; conducting follow-up inspections to determine the nature of extent of the air pollution problem; and writing Notices of Violation to companies and individuals found to be out of compliance. Additional assignments will entail learning how to collect air samples, fuel samples, volatile organic compound samples, and other samples as required to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.


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 Bethlehem. 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or
  • Four years of technical experience 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 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirement:
  • This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

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.
  • 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.

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.


Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!


See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

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.*


Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

  • Eligibility rules apply.

Salary : $45,907 - $69,203

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$63,136 - $79,042
Income Estimation: 
$78,244 - $97,353
Income Estimation: 
$60,235 - $78,001
Income Estimation: 
$68,494 - $88,573
Income Estimation: 
$68,160 - $87,634
Income Estimation: 
$80,339 - $93,084
Income Estimation: 
$88,198 - $112,550
Income Estimation: 
$88,198 - $112,550
Income Estimation: 
$96,037 - $114,374
Income Estimation: 
$102,054 - $131,688
Income Estimation: 
$102,054 - $131,688
Income Estimation: 
$112,905 - $142,242
Income Estimation: 
$125,123 - $161,688

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee).

Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

  • Bug/Defect Tracking Skill

    • Income Estimation: $72,343 - $87,738
    • Income Estimation: $79,991 - $102,697
  • Building Codes and Regulations Skill

    • Income Estimation: $56,900 - $89,276
    • Income Estimation: $59,820 - $81,544
This job has expired.
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Commonwealth of PA

  • Commonwealth of PA Potter, PA
  • THE POSITION Are you in search of a hands-on position where your work helps keep some of Pennsylvania's most scenic parks clean, safe, and welcoming? The D... more
  • 3 Months Ago

  • Commonwealth of PA Bradford, PA
  • THE POSITION Are you searching for a rewarding career in public service? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those who live in your community?... more
  • 3 Months Ago

  • Commonwealth of PA Crawford, PA
  • THE POSITION Are you a skilled administrative professional with strong organizational abilities seeking a fresh career prospect? The Department of Environm... more
  • 3 Months Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Air Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee) jobs in the Northampton, PA area that may be a better fit.

  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Northampton, PA
  • Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey in the realm of environmental conservation? The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a passiona... more
  • 3 Months Ago

  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Montgomery, PA
  • The Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for passionate individuals committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of both the cit... more
  • 3 Months Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!