03/30/2007 14510

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TRAINEE

DEFINITION: This is entrance level training work to develop practical proficiency in environmental engineering.

An employee in this job participates in a formal and on-the-job training program in environmental engineering under the responsible charge of a professional engineer. Work is assigned in a planning, design, construction, regulatory, conservation or resource management program area, such as wastewater treatment, water supply, air quality, waste management, environmental cleanup, oil and gas management, erosion and sediment control, waterways obstructions, infrastructure investment, mine reclamation or surface mine permitting. Work assignments are designed to develop the employee’s ability to apply environmental engineering theories and concepts to the solution of practical problems, to increase the employee’s ability to recognize and define problems in the early stages of project assignments, and to instruct the employee in developing problem solutions that conform to professional standards and agency policies, rules and regulations. Assignments are increased in complexity and completed with more independence as training progresses. Work is closely screened prior to assignment and reviewed in progress and upon completion by a professional engineer for completeness, technical accuracy, compliance with engineering principles and practices and conformance with departmental policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists in completing or reviewing plan and permit applications involving the treatment, discharge, disposal, remediation or minimization of wastes, hazardous materials or other pollutants in air, water or soil.

Assists in conducting engineering reviews of erosion and sedimentation control plans submitted with applications for Department permits.

Assists in the design of surface mine reclamation projects that emphasize water treatment.

Assists in the evaluation of permit applications for surface mining projects.

Assists in the evaluation of public water supply permit applications and water allocation permit applications.

Assists in conducting environmental engineering field and in-office engineering services in the survey, design and evaluation of waterway obstructions and wetlands restoration projects.

Assists in conducting facility and project inspections during construction and after completion to determine adherence to engineering design plans and specifications.

Assists in the design and modification of distribution systems, on-lot sewage systems, ground water and surface water systems, water and sewage impoundments, collection and conveyance systems, wastewater treatment plants, water treatment plants and public bathing places.

Assists in developing regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidance documents with environmental engineering components.

Assists in the calculation of potential and actual air pollution contamination rates.

Assists in studying treatment processes and control technology in order to evaluate pollution potential and control equipment effectiveness.

Travels to various field sites.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of environmental engineering principles and practices.

Knowledge of the engineering principles used in the development of drawings and specifications for components of environmental engineering projects.

Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and physics.

Knowledge of linear algebra, analytical geometry and plane trigonometry.

Knowledge of differential and integral calculus.

Knowledge of fluid mechanics and hydraulics.

Knowledge of statics and dynamics.

Knowledge of soil mechanics and foundations.

Knowledge of hydrologic systems and watershed processes.

Knowledge of the engineering principles of construction inspection.

Knowledge of plane and engineering surveying.

Knowledge of engineering economics.

Knowledge of computer aided drafting.

Knowledge of computer modeling techniques used in engineering analyses.

Ability to read and interpret inspection and testing reports, engineering drawings and specifications, and topographic and other maps.

Ability to conduct technical investigations applying engineering principles and procedures.

Ability to analyze and present technical data in clear, concise engineering reports.

Ability to read and interpret federal, state and local codes, regulations and standards applicable to the design, construction or evaluation of engineering projects.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, or in any engineering field that includes or is supplemented by 9 credits in environmental engineering;

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One year of experience in environmental engineering, and possession of a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.