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Geoscience Trainee
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA)
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Geoscience Trainee
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Geoscience Trainee
Salary
$57,995.00 - $79,062.00 Annually
Location
Schuylkill County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2025-39516-14900
Department
Department of Environmental Protection
Division
EP DMO Pottsville Dstr Mng Off
Opening Date
12/31/2025
Closing Date
1/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
14900
Position Number
00188769
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
B4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00355310
Bureau / Division
District Mining Operations, Pottsville District Mining Office
Worksite Address
5 West Laurel Boulevard
City
Pottsville, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17901
Contact Name
OA, CE DEP
Contact Email
+ Description
+ Benefits
+ Questions
THE POSITION
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the fascinating world of geology? The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking a motivated and passionate individual eager to help protect and enhance Pennsylvania’s natural resources while supporting the health and quality of life of its communities. This is a unique opportunity to become part of a dynamic, mission-driven team committed to making a meaningful environmental impact. By applying today, you can begin a rewarding career that offers intellectual challenge, professional growth, and the chance to play a vital role in preserving the beauty and resilience of our state. Do not miss this opportunity to make a real difference—join us and help build a sustainable future for Pennsylvania!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will participate in a comprehensive one-year training program that prepares you with the core skills and knowledge needed to work as a Geoscientist. During this time, you will perform a range of duties, including reviewing surface and underground mining permit applications for both coal and non-coal operations. Your work will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and will involve drafting deficiency letters and providing well-supported permitting recommendations. Additionally, you will carry out hydrologic impact assessments, evaluate groundwater data, and investigate water supply and subsidence concerns. These efforts will lead to the preparation of thorough technical reports outlining your analyses and conclusions. You will also work closely with state and federal environmental agencies to evaluate potential impacts on endangered species, take part in public meetings to address community questions, and respond to stakeholder inquiries to promote transparency and effective communication throughout the permitting process. The essential job functions of this position will require you to navigate rough terrain, use field equipment, operate computers and vehicles, and effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00188769) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
+ Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
+ 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 Pottsville. 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:
+ Possession of an active Geologist-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists; or
+ A bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, or a closely related field including or supplemented by 30 college credits in geologic coursework;or
+ An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 30 college credits in geologic coursework.
+ Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.
Special Requirement:
+ This position requires possession and maintenance of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.
Other Requirements:
+ You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
+ You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnot 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/testoncefor this posting.
+ Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits 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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
You must complete the supplemental question(s) below. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental question(s). Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score. All information you provide on your application and supplemental question(s) is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. Read the question(s) carefully. Determine and select the option that most closely represents your highest level of experience/training/certification. The option you choose must be clearly supported if requested.If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
+ Yes
02
Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
+ Yes
+ No
03
If you answered "Yes", please provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the text box below.
04
Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within three months of conferring a bachelor's degree or higher in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or engineering geology, or a related field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.
+ Yes
+ No
05
If you are within three months of completing bachelor's degree or higher in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or engineering geology, or a related field, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.
06
Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within three months of conferring a bachelor's degree or higher, in a closely related geology field which includes or is supplemented by 30 college credits in geologic coursework?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.
+ Yes
+ No
07
If you have not yet conferred a bachelor's degree or higher in a closely related geology field which includes or is supplemented by 30 college credits in geologic coursework, when do you expect to complete your degree? If not applicable, please enter N/A.
08
Do you possess an active Geologist-in-Training Certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists?
+ Yes
+ No
09
If you answered "Yes", please provide the issuing state and certificate number. If you answered "No", type N/A in the textbox below.
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
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