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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 ...

Engineer Trainee

Charleston, WV · On-site

$50K - $88K/yr

DEP2600192 Engineer Trainee West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Division of Land Restoration Abandoned Mine Lands; Design Designated counties: Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Fayette ...

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Environmental Engineer Trainee information

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How much do environmental engineer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

Is there a high demand for environmental engineers?

Environmental engineers are in high demand due to increasing focus on sustainability, pollution control, and environmental regulations. Job growth is expected to be faster than average, and roles often require knowledge of environmental laws, data analysis, and engineering principles. This demand provides good employment prospects for environmental engineer trainees entering the field.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

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 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 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 does an entry level Environmental Engineer do?

An entry-level Environmental Engineer assists in assessing environmental impacts, collecting data, and supporting the development of solutions to environmental problems. They often use tools like GIS and follow safety and regulatory standards while working under supervision in field and office settings.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation) NY HELPS Region 5 Chautauqua County

StateJobsNY

Mayville, NY • On-site

$66K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Duties Description At the time of appointment, and continuously thereafter, possession of a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State is required or the ability to meet the travel requirements of the position must otherwise be demonstrated.
Position is under the direction of a licensed Professional Engineer. Responsibilities may include: supervise, train, and coordinate the work of subordinate staff.
Operations- Plan and oversee maintenance crew work, manage contract work, process highway work permits, and asset management. A significant amount of contact with the public is required.
Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the Department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations.
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). *
To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are:
Engineer Trainee:
Either 1. a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below.
Or 2. proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below.
As an Engineer Trainee, you will serve a 24-month traineeship that leads to Assistant Engineer, Grade 20. To advance to Assistant Engineer, you must have obtained proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) and successfully completed the requirements of the traineeship to the satisfaction of the appointing authority. At the discretion of the appointing authority, early advancement to Assistant Engineer is possible if you have obtained your FE and have successfully completed twelve months of the traineeship. It is your responsibility to notify the appointing authority's personnel office upon obtaining proof of passing the FE. You may receive an increase in salary upon obtaining your FE. Information about this increase will be provided by the appointing authority.
Assistant Engineer - Proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; OR proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below.
Qualifying degrees: Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering, Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Management, Construction
Engineering Management Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering Technology, Environmental Design Engineering, Environmental Resources Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Forest Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning and Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees.
Qualifying experience: One year of full-time engineering experience with transportation projects related to highways/roadways, railroads, bridges, airports, waterways, building structures, or traffic management and safety systems.
Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law.
Additional Comments *For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non- competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfmt
The starting salary for an Engineer Trainee position is $66,951. The starting salary for an Assistant Engineer is $81,193. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.
The maximum compensation for this position is $101,121. This amount is comprised of the standard job rate of $94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.
In addition, a Mid-Hudson Adjustment of $2,000 or a Downstate Adjustment of $4,000 may also apply depending on the location of the position.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply.
In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States. Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made. The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Dwight Mateer, Resident Engineer
Telephone
Fax
Email Address Dwight.Mateer@dot.ny.gov
Address
Street 109 E. Chautauqua St.
City Mayville
State NY
Zip Code 14757
Notes on Applying Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and a copy of required transcripts (if applicable), titled by last name, with the Notice Number R5-26-45 and last name in the subject line and referenced in the letter of interest, no later than June 24, 2026 to:
NYS Department of Transportation
Chautauqua Residency
Attn: Dwight Mateer, Resident Engineer
109 E Chautauqua Street
Mayville, NY 14757
Dwight.Mateer@dot.ny.gov