JOB TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 14510

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

An employee in this job participates in a formal and on-the-job training program in environmental engineering or air quality 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, waste management, environmental cleanup, oil and gas management, erosion and sediment control, waterways obstructions, infrastructure investment, mine reclamation, or surface mine permitting. Work may also involve participating in various aspects of the Commonwealth’s air quality program, including plan approvals, permitting, stack testing, ambient air monitoring, and emissions monitoring. Work assignments are designed to develop the employee’s ability to apply 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: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• 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 or air quality engineering components.

• Assists in performing plan and permit application reviews involving the treatment, minimization, and discharge of air pollutants.

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

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

• Assists in conducting local, ambient, and area air quality studies and makes recommendations for reduction of air pollution in study areas.

• Collects data to determine the extent, nature, and source of atmospheric contaminants.

• Travels to various field sites.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices.

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

• Knowledge of commercial and industrial operations and processes affecting the emission of atmospheric pollutants.

• 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.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• 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 and 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 communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering;

or

• One year of engineering experience and possession of an active Engineering Intern certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.