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Environmental Engineer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Do you have a passion for improving your community and protecting the environment? The four-year ... Engineer trainees rotate through major disciplines shadowing and assisting professional and ...

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Environmental Engineer Trainee information

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How much do environmental engineer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental engineer trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Engineer Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Engineer Trainee, you need a solid grounding in environmental science and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as GIS software, AutoCAD, and environmental modeling systems, as well as knowledge of relevant regulations, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help trainees collaborate on projects and convey complex information clearly. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate data analysis, regulatory compliance, and successful project outcomes in the environmental sector.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Environmental Engineer Trainee expect during their first year?

As an Environmental Engineer Trainee, you will typically assist with data collection, site assessments, and environmental monitoring as part of larger project teams. Early responsibilities often include preparing reports, conducting basic analyses, and supporting senior engineers with regulatory compliance tasks. You may also participate in field visits, sample collection, and the implementation of environmental protection measures. This role provides exposure to a variety of projects, such as water and air quality management, waste treatment, and environmental impact assessments, allowing you to develop a strong foundation for advancement.

What does an Environmental Engineer Trainee do?

An Environmental Engineer Trainee assists experienced engineers in designing, planning, and implementing projects that help protect the environment. Typical tasks include collecting and analyzing environmental data, preparing reports, conducting site assessments, and supporting the development of solutions to issues like pollution, waste management, and water treatment. Trainees also learn to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards while gaining hands-on experience to advance their careers. This role provides foundational training and exposure to various aspects of environmental engineering.

What is the difference between Environmental Engineer Trainee vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectEnvironmental Engineer TraineeEnvironmental Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related field; internship or trainee programBachelor's degree; often requires professional engineering (PE) license for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, often in training programs or internshipsFull professional role, independent project work, field and office settings
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs, entry-level positions in environmental consulting, government, industryEstablished professional roles in similar sectors, responsible for project design and implementation

The main difference between an Environmental Engineer Trainee and an Environmental Engineer is experience level and responsibility. Trainees are in training, gaining skills and knowledge, while Environmental Engineers are fully qualified professionals managing projects independently.

More about Environmental Engineer Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Engineer Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Engineer Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Environmental Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Environmental Engineer Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Engineer Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Environmental Engineer Trainee job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 42% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 48% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 45% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Environmental Engineering Trainee

Environmental Engineering Trainee

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania

Norristown, PA • Hybrid

$66.33K - $79.06K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Salary

$66,328.00 - $79,062.00 Annually

Location

Montgomery County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-49514-14510

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP SERO Clean Wtr

Opening Date

05/21/2026

Closing Date

6/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

14510

Position Number

50658095

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00354510

Bureau / Division

Southeast Regional Office, Clean Water

Worksite Address

2 East Main Street

City

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

19401

Contact Name

OA, CE DEP

Contact Email

RA-DEPJobs@pa.gov

THE POSITION

As an Environmental Engineering Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will begin building the skills needed to support important water quality programs. This position provides training, guidance, and real-world experience in reviewing applications and supporting clean water initiatives. You will take part in a one-year formal and on-the-job training program to learn the responsibilities of an Environmental Engineering Specialist. Start your engineering career while helping protect Pennsylvania's natural resources.


DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the technical review of water quality applications, permit documents, and environmental evaluations that help protect waterways in the Commonwealth. By participating in our training program, you will be equipped to perform the duties of an Environmental Engineering Specialist. As an Environmental Engineering Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

  • Application Review: Assist in evaluating PennVest, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, and Part II applications for completeness and compliance
  • Technical Analysis: Support calculations, effluent limit development, and review of engineering reports
  • Field Observation: Observe site inspections to learn how treatment facilities operate and meet permit requirements
  • Program Coordination: Work with staff, applicants, and partner agencies involved in the permitting process

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.
  • 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 Norristown. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
  • Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $66,328 (before taxes).
  • 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:

  • 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; or
  • A bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, or in any engineering field that includes or is supplemented by 9 credits in environmental engineering.
  • Applicants will be considered to h...

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania logo

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a traditional company but rather a state government entity headquartered in Middletown, Pennsylvania, United States. Through its official website pa.gov, the government provides a broad range of services to its residents, including but not limited to, health services, education, transportation, and regulatory functions. Founded in 1787, the Commonwealth holds a rich history dating back to the foundation of the United States itself. The government's core mission is to serve and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, fostering a more prosperous, informed, and secure state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

Year founded

1787