Soils Scientist Trainee

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking dedicated individuals who are committed to protecting the health of Pennsylvania's citizens and its environment. This position provides a valuable opportunity to learn the role of a Soils Scientist. In this role, you will analyze sewage facility plans to confirm they adhere to established soil science principles. As a Soils Scientist Trainee, you will gain valuable experience that can propel your career within the Commonwealth. This position is ideal for those who are eager to contribute to environmental stewardship while developing their professional skills in a supportive setting. We invite you to apply and become part of our committed team!

In this role, you will participate in a one year training program to learn the responsibilities of a Soils Scientist. Your tasks will include evaluating permit applications, engineering designs, and sewage facility plans to ensure they align with departmental policies, regulations, and principles of soil science. You will perform on-site assessments to ascertain the appropriateness of land for sewage disposal systems across various uses. Additionally, you will provide professional guidance on soil and environmental impacts, review technical submissions for precision, and suggest permit conditions or modifications based on your evaluations. This position requires you to exercise independent judgment and make technical decisions within your designated responsibilities.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 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 Williamsport.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years and six months of technical experience in soil testing, identification, classification, suitability, or remediation work, and 15 college credits in soil science; or

• A bachelor's degree in environmental resource management, environmental science, environmental studies, earth science, agricultural science, or a closely related field that includes 15 college credits in soil science; or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 15 college credits in soil science.

• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirements:

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

• 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.

• 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).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• 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.

• 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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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

• 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.