Water Program Specialist
Apply NowCompany: State of Pennsylvania
Location: Dauphin, PA 17018
Description:
Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-22060-75670
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP BSDW Trng Tech Fin Srvs Div
Opening Date: 04/02/2025
Closing Date: 4/15/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 75670
Position Number: 50389564
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00353910
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Training, Technical and Financial Services Division
Worksite Address: 400 Market Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: OA, CE DEP
Contact Email: RA-DEPJobs@pa.gov
THE POSITION
The Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for passionate individuals committed to safeguarding the well-being of both Pennsylvania's residents and its natural surroundings. If you aspire to begin your career with the Commonwealth as a Water Program Specialist, we encourage you to submit your application today and join our dedicated team in making a positive impact!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role is situated within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and focuses on the professional domain of environmental and public health safeguarding. The individual in this position is tasked with the planning, development, and execution of technical and regulatory training programs aimed at water system personnel and DEP staff across the state. These training initiatives are designed to elucidate Pennsylvania's regulatory standards and provide technical guidance, thereby aiding water systems in their compliance efforts and enhancing public health protection. Additionally, specialized training is crafted for DEP personnel to ensure they understand the correct application of regulatory requirements during activities related to surveillance, compliance, enforcement, and data management.
Moreover, this employee is responsible for conducting both administrative and technical evaluations of training programs offered by industry training providers as part of the Operator Certification Program. The primary goal of this evaluation process is to guarantee that continuing education activities are effectively structured to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of system operators. Furthermore, this individual serves as a representative of the Commonwealth at various meetings and training events, engaging with the public, professional organizations, other Commonwealth agencies, federal representatives, and officials from other states in relation to these responsibilities.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Condition of Employment:
Other Requirements:
How to Apply:
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
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
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
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 and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Condition of Employment - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
02
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If you answered "No" type N/A in the box.
03
Do you possess 3 or more years of full-time professional environmental protection experience?
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
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
06
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - DEVELOPS, IMPLEMENTS, AND EVALUATES A DRINKING WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Develops, implements, and evaluates a drinking water management program to ensure program standards and requirements are being met. Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
07
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 actual duties you performed related to developing, implementing, or evaluating a drinking water management or other environmental management program. Your level of responsibility.
08
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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(s) Credits/Clock Hours
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DATA MANAGEMENTAnalyzes water program data entered in various computer systems to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, rectify data rejection issues, and generate reports to provide information for use by government agencies, environmental groups, agency personnel, clients, or industry associations.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
10
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 analyzing program data to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, or rectify data rejection issues. The type(s) of data you analyzed. The actual duties you performed.
11
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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(s) Credits/Clock Hours
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Writes responses to inquiries from the general public, federal and state government personnel, and other interested parties seeking public information concerning water systems, water management programs, and public health drinking water safety. Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
13
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 correspondence you wrote and the topic(s). The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
14
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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(s) Credits/Clock Hours
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - CREATES AND PRESENTS TRAINING Creates and presents training to agency staff and the regulated community regarding drinking water regulatory requirements and strategies to maintain compliance. Makes improvements to the training program based on evaluation results.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
16
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 creating or presenting training. The topic(s) of the training. The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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(s) Credits/Clock Hours
18
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - REVIEWS AND INTERPRETS STATUTES AND REGULATIONS AND ASSESSES IMPACTReviews and interprets safe drinking water-related federal and state statutes and regulations and assesses the impact on policies and procedures.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
19
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 reviewing or interpreting federal or state statutes or regulations and the type(s). Your experience assessing the impact on program policies or procedures. The actual duties you performed.
20
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the 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(s) Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-22060-75670
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP BSDW Trng Tech Fin Srvs Div
Opening Date: 04/02/2025
Closing Date: 4/15/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 75670
Position Number: 50389564
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00353910
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Training, Technical and Financial Services Division
Worksite Address: 400 Market Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: OA, CE DEP
Contact Email: RA-DEPJobs@pa.gov
THE POSITION
The Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for passionate individuals committed to safeguarding the well-being of both Pennsylvania's residents and its natural surroundings. If you aspire to begin your career with the Commonwealth as a Water Program Specialist, we encourage you to submit your application today and join our dedicated team in making a positive impact!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role is situated within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and focuses on the professional domain of environmental and public health safeguarding. The individual in this position is tasked with the planning, development, and execution of technical and regulatory training programs aimed at water system personnel and DEP staff across the state. These training initiatives are designed to elucidate Pennsylvania's regulatory standards and provide technical guidance, thereby aiding water systems in their compliance efforts and enhancing public health protection. Additionally, specialized training is crafted for DEP personnel to ensure they understand the correct application of regulatory requirements during activities related to surveillance, compliance, enforcement, and data management.
Moreover, this employee is responsible for conducting both administrative and technical evaluations of training programs offered by industry training providers as part of the Operator Certification Program. The primary goal of this evaluation process is to guarantee that continuing education activities are effectively structured to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of system operators. Furthermore, this individual serves as a representative of the Commonwealth at various meetings and training events, engaging with the public, professional organizations, other Commonwealth agencies, federal representatives, and officials from other states in relation to these responsibilities.
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 a 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.
- This position may require travel as needed.
- 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:
- Three years of professional environmental protection experience; and a bachelor's degree in the biological, physical, or environmental sciences, engineering, or in a field closely related to environmental protection or regulation; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years of professional environmental protection experience.
Condition 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.
- 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%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@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 !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
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 and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Condition of Employment - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
- Yes
- No
02
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If you answered "No" type N/A in the box.
03
Do you possess 3 or more years of full-time professional environmental protection experience?
- 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
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
- Yes
06
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - DEVELOPS, IMPLEMENTS, AND EVALUATES A DRINKING WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Develops, implements, and evaluates a drinking water management program to ensure program standards and requirements are being met. Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience developing, implementing, AND evaluating a drinking water management program.
- B. I have experience developing, implementing, OR evaluating a drinking water management program.
- C. I have experience developing, implementing, or evaluating ANY environmental management program NOT related to drinking water.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to environmental science, or environmental or civil engineering.
- E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
07
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.
08
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DATA MANAGEMENTAnalyzes water program data entered in various computer systems to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, rectify data rejection issues, and generate reports to provide information for use by government agencies, environmental groups, agency personnel, clients, or industry associations.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience analyzing water program data to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, or rectify data rejection issues.
- B. I have experience analyzing program data NOT related to water to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, or rectify data rejection issues.
- C. I have successfully completed college level coursework related to data management, data analysis, or computer science.
- D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
10
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.
11
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Writes responses to inquiries from the general public, federal and state government personnel, and other interested parties seeking public information concerning water systems, water management programs, and public health drinking water safety. Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience writing correspondence regarding water management programs or safe drinking water. I WAS responsible for the final content of these documents.
- B. I have experience drafting PORTIONS OR SECTIONS of correspondence regarding water management programs or safe drinking water. I was NOT responsible for the final content of the documents.
- C. I have experience writing or drafting correspondence NOT related to water management programs or safe drinking water.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to report writing, technical writing, business writing, or English composition.
- E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
13
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.
14
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - CREATES AND PRESENTS TRAINING Creates and presents training to agency staff and the regulated community regarding drinking water regulatory requirements and strategies to maintain compliance. Makes improvements to the training program based on evaluation results.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience creating AND presenting training related to drinking water regulatory requirements.
- B. I have experience creating OR presenting training related to drinking water regulatory requirements.
- C. I have experience creating or presenting training NOT related to drinking water regulatory requirements.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to speech communications, adult learning, public speaking, training and development, or professional development.
- E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
16
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.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
18
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - REVIEWS AND INTERPRETS STATUTES AND REGULATIONS AND ASSESSES IMPACTReviews and interprets safe drinking water-related federal and state statutes and regulations and assesses the impact on policies and procedures.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience reviewing or interpreting safe drinking water-related federal or state statutes or regulations AND assessing the impact on program policies or procedures.
- B. I have experience reviewing or interpreting safe drinking water-related federal or state statutes or regulations. I DID NOT assess the impact on program policies or procedures.
- C. I have experience reviewing or interpreting environmental-related federal or state statutes or regulations NOT related to safe drinking water.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to policy interpretation, or government and legal research.
- E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
19
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.
20
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question