Oil and Gas Program Specialist (Department of Environmental Protection Employees Only)

THE POSITION

The Oil and Gas Program Specialist position with the Department of Environmental Protection offers current employees an opportunity to take on fresh challenges that expand their career path. This role allows you to support important grant programs that improve well safety and environmental outcomes across the Commonwealth. You will engage directly with stakeholders while helping to shape guidance and materials that strengthen program operations. Step into a role that deepens your expertise and supports meaningful progress in the Oil and Gas Program.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the planning, coordination, and evaluation of orphan and marginal well grant programs, along with broader Oil and Gas Program activities. You will assist with outreach, program guidance, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory development. As an Oil and Gas Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Grant Coordination: Manage planning, review, and logistics for multiple well plugging and workforce transformation grant programs
• Application Review: Evaluate grant applications and prioritize wells based on environmental conditions and methane emission information
• Methane Monitoring: Coordinate methane screening and verification efforts for eligible wells
• Program Development: Create publications and guidance documents that support program outreach and improvement
• Regulatory Support: Interpret statutes, develop policies, and recommend changes to program rules and procedures
• Stakeholder Training: Develop training materials and outreach content for internal and external audiences

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. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• You will have the option to work from one of the following headquarters offices:
  • Rachel Carson State Office Building  - 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
  • Northwest Regional Office  - 230 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA 16335
  • Northcentral Regional Office  - 208 West Third St, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701
  • New Stanton District Office  - 131 Broadview Rd, New Stanton, PA 15672
  • Knox District Office  - 310 Best Ave, Knox, PA 16232
  • California District Mining Office-25 Technology Drive, Coal Center, PA 15423 
  • Moshannon District Mining Office- 186 Enterprise Drive, Philipsburg, PA 16866
• 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

Organization or Location Restrictions:

• This posting is restricted to Department of Environmental Protection employees only. 

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years of professional environmental protection experience and four years of technical experience in well design, drilling, completion, production, plugging, or underground storage operations in the oil or natural gas industry; or
• One year of experience as an Environmental Protection Specialist or Environmental Protection Compliance Specialist (commonwealth titles); or
• Two years of experience as an Oil and Gas Inspector, Water Quality Specialist, or Solid Waste Specialist (commonwealth titles); or
• Three years of professional environmental protection experience and a bachelor's degree in biological, physical, or environmental sciences, or closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle 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.

This position is not subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. 

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations. 

Recruitment Methods: 

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: 
  • Promotion Without Exam
  • Reassignment (Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.)
  • Voluntary Demotion

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE): 

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications: 
  • Environmental Protection Specialist
  • Environmental Protection Compliance Specialist
  • Oil and Gas Inspector
  • Water Quality Specialist
  • Solid Waste Specialist
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. 
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service. 

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.

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.

Benefits

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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.

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov