Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00268903	Description Activated On: 2/11/2026 9:09:47 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

The person in this position participates in junior-level engineering aspects of stationary source air emission testing within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The job entails: (1) review, evaluation, & approval of test protocols, (2) field observation & oversight of testing activities by contractors, (3) review, evaluation, & validation of test results, and (4) assisting in the performance of source testing as a member of a field team, and (5) If this position is filled as an Environmental Engineering Trainee, the incumbent will participate in a one-year formal and on-the-job training program to learn the duties of an Environmental Engineering Specialist.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

1. Reviews, evaluates, and conveys the acceptability of medium complexity test protocols and reports for conformance to federal and/or state regulations, plan approvals and/or operating permits, and sampling and analytical procedures. Makes recommendations for retests or restraints on utilization of test data.
2. Routinely contacts the regulated facility, the testing contractor, and/or DEP regional/district office staff to obtain supplemental information and clarifying detail.
3. Meets with and provides clear and concise technical assistance to DEP staff, the regulated community, the public, environmental or industry associations, and federal, state, local government agencies and officials regarding DEP’s laws, regulations, policies, and acceptable practices.
4. Uses DEP software applications, such as the Pennsylvania SourceTest Information Management System (PSIMS), the Environment Facility Application Compliance Tracking System (eFACTS), and/or Microsoft Office applications, to process workflows, analyze field and laboratory data, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
5. Observes and documents low complexity field sampling activities by test contractors in hazardous, industrial environments and on stack sampling platforms at heights up to 100 feet above grade in potentially inclement weather.
6. Reviews regulations, technical guidance, standard operating procedures, sampling methodologies, and analytical procedures.
7. Participates in sampling activities as a member of a DEP test team in hazardous, industrial environments and on stack sampling platforms at heights up to 100 feet above grade in potentially inclement weather.
8. Calibrates sampling equipment and analytical instrumentation.
9. Reviews and uses engineering calculations to determine production and emission rates.
10. Uses engineering logic to determine if proposed/used sampling modifications will result in representative emissions results.
11. Develops detailed mathematical spreadsheets to aid in the technical review process of source test reports.
12. Determines possible effects and magnitude of equipment malfunctions on source testing results.
13. Performs duties in a safe manner while encouraging and coaching others to do the same.
14. Promotes the Department’s mission.
15. Inputs appropriate data in a prescribed format to meet data quality standards set forth by guidance, training, and policy across all of DEP’s electronic data systems; to include ensuring accuracy and completeness of entries, and where available, the use of system specific tools to ensure duplicative entries and data quality issues are minimized.
16. Performs related duties, as needed, to meet program objectives.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

The supervisor assigns projects to the employee based on the education, experience, and qualifications of the employee. The employee routinely evaluates and makes independent technical decisions, pertaining to the assigned test projects, and has latitude in determining the acceptability of the data provided. Such determinations must conform to guidelines established by state and federal regulations, applicable plan approvals and/or operating permits, reference methods, and DEP policy. The employee must routinely contact staff at the regulated facility, the testing contractor, and DEP’s regional/district office staff to obtain supplemental and clarifying information. The employee conveys findings to affected parties via written correspondence (letters and memos), all of which are peer-reviewed by the supervisor to ensure consistency, clarity, brevity, and technical accuracy.

The employee will consult with the Environmental Group Manager, Environmental Program Manager, Regional Program Managers and Bureau Director, as appropriate, on low complexity issues including interpretation of statutes, regulations and policies. Decisions that impact other divisions within the bureau, other bureaus or regional/district offices within DEP or federal, state, and local agencies require the concurrence of the supervisory chain of command. All engineering-related work will be accomplished under the responsible charge of a licensed professional engineer (PE).

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Class C Driver's License

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.

5.

6.

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Make independent decisions.
2.	Read, write, and interpret laws, regulations, and technical documents.
3.	Use mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and statistics, to verify emission calculations.
4.	Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Type and prepare clear and concise technical documents and correspondence.
5.	Use standard computers and software including, but not limited to: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Edge.
6.	Legally operate a motor vehicle.
7.	Lift sampling equipment (up to 35 pounds), manipulate switches/knobs/valves, and read lighted/colored displays in poor light conditions.
8.	Negotiate uneven terrain and climb steps or ladders up to 100 feet above grade in inclement weather.
9.	Recognize and respond to audible alarms and visual warnings in low light and/or noisy surroundings.
10.	Work overtime and/or in an overnight travel status, as necessary.