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Environmental Engineer Trainee Jobs in Pennsylvania

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Environmental Engineer Trainee information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$24.5K

$45.7K

$76.7K

How much do environmental engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental engineer trainee in Pennsylvania is $45,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,800.00 and $49,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental engineer trainee?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Engineer Trainee jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Engineer Trainee jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Infographic showing various Environmental Engineer Trainee job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,722 per year, or $22 per hour.

Environmental Engineering Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA โ€ข Hybrid

$67K - $80K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

THE POSITION Join the Department of Environmental Protection as an Environmental Engineering Trainee and take the first step toward a rewarding career in clean water protection. This role offers hands-on learning guided by experienced engineers who are committed to your growth. You will build real world skills while supporting efforts that protect community waterways.

Bring your enthusiasm and interest in environmental work to a team that values dedication and public service. DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position supports engineering reviews and permit evaluations that help protect water quality and ensure compliance with environmental laws. The role provides training and guidance to help you learn essential permitting, analysis, and inspection tasks.

As an Environmental Engineering Trainee, you will perform the following duties: Permit Support: Assist with reviewing permit applications and evaluating facility performance System Review: Help examine wastewater and industrial treatment systems for completeness and proper operation Field Activities: Participate in surveys and inspections to observe facility conditions and gather information Water Modeling: Learn to analyze stream data and run water quality simulations under supervision Data Entry: Maintain accurate information in tracking systems and electronic databases Technical Communication: Work with applicants and officials to address questions and gather needed details 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 Harrisburg.

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 $67,658 (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 have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits. Conditions of Employment: This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license. Other Requirements: 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. 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. EXAMINATION INFORMATION 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.


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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