Investigator, Environmental Protection Specialist

The Investigator, Environmental Protection Specialist position with the Department of Environmental Protection offers a meaningful way to protect public health and natural resources. This role allows you to take part in important investigative work that supports safe communities across the state. Each day brings new challenges that require curiosity, problem-solving, and strong communication skills. Join a team that values integrity and works to safeguard the environment for future generations.

This position conducts investigative, research, and administrative work that supports the Bureau of Investigation within the Department of Environmental Protection. It involves gathering information, coordinating evidence, and assisting legal and technical staff. As an Investigator, Environmental Protection Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Investigation Activities: Conduct interviews, collect evidence, perform site visits, and coordinate efforts with other agencies
• Search Warrant Tasks: Prepare warrant applications, coordinate execution with law enforcement, and maintain proper evidence handling
• Litigation Support: Serve legal documents, prepare affidavits, assist counsel, and support court proceedings
• Sampling Oversight: Develop sampling plans, manage equipment needs, collect samples, and maintain chain of custody records
• Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to safety regulations, conduct safety meetings, and support hazardous operations monitoring
• Administrative Duties: Manage computer-based tasks, attend required training, complete reports, and assist with training development

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. May require evenings and weekends.
• This position will require travel throughout the region to include Dauphin, York, Perry, Cumberland, Lebanon, Adams, Bedford, Berks, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Lancaster counties.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 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 Harrisburg. 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as a journey-level specialist in a waste management program; or
• Two years of experience in environmental protection and a bachelor's degree with major course work in biology, chemistry, or in a field closely related to environmental protection. A master's degree with major course work in any of the fields closely related to environmental protection may be substituted for one year of the required experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Other Requirement

• You must reside in or be willing to relocate to Dauphin, York, Perry, Cumberland, Lebanon, or Lancaster County within 60 days of their start date.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• 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).
• 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.

• 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.