Location: Wilkes Barre,PA, USA
THE POSITION
If you have a background in general operations and administration, along with a passion for investigative and research tasks, the Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Investigation (BOI) within the Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) is looking for you. We invite you to apply for the position of Environmental Protection Specialist and become a vital part of our committed team. Seize this chance to embark on a rewarding and meaningful career!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will be responsible for a range of operational and administrative duties, as well as investigative and research tasks for the BOI, providing support to both the Chief Counsel and the Director. Investigative work may require addressing issues as directed during evenings, weekends, and holidays. You will conduct thorough interviews to collect evidence, coordinate evidence collection activities such as photography, sampling, and surveillance, and perform site visits. You will serve documents on businesses and private individuals. Additionally, you will assist departmental staff with inspections and investigative efforts, which includes coordinating investigations with agencies like the federal Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, and Public Utility Commission, working alongside legal counsel and program staff, supporting other investigators with search warrants, organizing evidence, and interviewing individuals.
Individuals possessing experience in police, military, or law enforcement are strongly urged to submit their applications.
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.
* You may be required to work evenings and weekends.
* Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time, but you will be required to work from office at least once a month. 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 Wilkes-Barre.
* This position will require travel throughout the region to include Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
* 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.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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 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.
* You must reside in or be willing to relocate to Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, or Wyoming county within 60 days of start date.
* 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.
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.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ...@pa.gov.
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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little extras that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
* Eligibility rules apply.
01
Necessary Special Requirement - Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?
* Yes
* No
02
If yes, please provide the license number and expiration date in the text box below. If no, please type N/A.
03
Do you possess one or more years of full-time experience as a journey-level specialist in a waste management program?
* Yes
* No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How many years of full-time experience in environmental protection do you possess?
* 2 years or more
* 1 but less than 2 years
* Less than 1 year
* None
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
How much graduate coursework have you completed in environmental protection or any of the fields closely related to environmental protection?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the Attachments tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information.
* 30 credits or more
* Less than 30 credits
* None
08
Additional Requirement - Do you currently reside in or are you willing to relocate to Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, or Wyoming county within 60 days of your start date?
* Yes
* No
09
CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which Level of Performance most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The Level of Performance you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the Yes button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.
* Yes
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PROGRAM COMPLIANCE
Conducts investigations to determine violations related to programs administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and ensure compliance with federal and state rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Performs interviews with complainants, responsible parties, and witnesses to violations. Collects evidence which includes documenting site conditions.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience conducting investigations, collecting evidence, AND performing interviews to determine violations or noncompliance with rules, regulations, policies, or procedures.
* B. I have experience conducting investigations, collecting evidence, OR performing interviews to determine violations or noncompliance with rules, regulations, policies, or procedures.
* C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to compliance, auditing, or incident investigations.
* D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* The duties you performed related to conducting investigations, collecting evidence, or performing interviews to determine violations or noncompliance.
* Your level of responsibility.
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DATA ANALYSIS
Analyzes public records, social media posts, transcripts, interview reports, and maps to determine ownership of property and ascertain responsibility for regulated activities.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience analyzing information such as public records, social media posts, maps, or other sources to determine ownership of property OR ascertain responsibility for regulated activities. .
* B. I have experience analyzing information such as public records, social media posts, maps, or other sources to determine accuracy of the data.
* C. I have experience gathering information from various sources for use in SOMEONE ELSE's analysis.
* D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to logic, data analysis, or problem solving.
* E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* The duties you performed related to analyzing or gathering information.
* The type(s) of information you analyzed or gathered.
* Your level of responsibility.
15
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
16
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Writes evidentiary reports including narrative content related to investigations and interviews. Prepares detailed search warrant applications in coordination with legal counsel.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience writing evidentiary reports, narrative reports/content, OR legal documents related to investigations. I was responsible for the FINAL CONTENT of the documents.
* B. I have experience writing evidentiary reports, narrative reports/content, OR legal documents NOT RELATED TO investigations. I was responsible for the FINAL CONTENT of the documents.
* C. I have experience DRAFTING reports OR documents. SOMEONE ELSE was responsible for the final content of the documents.
* D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to report writing or communication.
* E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
17
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* The type(s) of documents you prepared.
* The actual duties you performed and your level of responsibility.
18
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
19
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - SAMPLE COLLECTION
Collects environmental samples such as ground water, surface water, and soil from hazardous and non-hazardous sites. Ensures proper collection, preservation, and delivery of samples for analysis at the bureau laboratory or contracted laboratories.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience collecting environmental samples from hazardous or non-hazardous sites. I was responsible for ensuring proper collection, preservation, and delivery of samples for analysis.
* B. I have experience collecting environmental samples from hazardous or non-hazardous sites. SOMEONE ELSE was responsible for ensuring proper preservation or delivery of samples for analysis.
* C. I have experience collecting ANY TYPE of sample for analysis.
* D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to sample collection, field data collection, or biology.
* E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
20
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* Your experience collecting environmental samples.
* The type(s) of samples you collected.
* The actual duties you performed regarding collection, preservation, or delivery of samples for analysis.
* Your level of responsibility.
21
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address 613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
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