Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Water Program Specialist

Hybrid$69,086 - $104,959/yrPosted 1 week ago

Job details

Location
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Work type
Hybrid
Compensation
$69,086 - $104,959/yr
Posted
1 week ago
Apply on
governmentjobs.com

About this role

About the Department

Start an exciting career as a Water Program Specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection. This role supports important work that protects waterways and natural resources across the Commonwealth. Your efforts will help guide policies and programs that improve water quality. Join a team dedicated to keeping Pennsylvania's environment healthy.


Position Duties

This position provides technical and administrative support for statewide water quality programs, with a focus on Chesapeake Bay watershed planning and policy. The work involves research, data analysis, and collaboration with internal and external partners. As a Water Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

  • Data Analysis: Use monitoring information to identify pollution trends and evaluate reductions from Best Management Practices
  • Model Support: Prepare BMP lists, review model output and interpret results for program managers
  • Reporting Duties: Compile technical reports and provide annual progress updates on BMP installations and outcomes
  • Technical Review: Evaluate scientific data, participate in multi-agency projects, and provide input on modeling and watershed issues
  • Program Coordination: Share guidance with staff and partners, prepare instructional materials, and support field personnel
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the agency in workgroups, communicate program needs and explain water quality goals to interested groups

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.
  • Some travel may be required
  • 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: 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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 possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
  • 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.

Other Qualifications

  • 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.

Benefits

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.

Supplemental Questions

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 FAQ page.
  • Yes
06
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – DEVELOPS, IMPLEMENTS, MAINTAINS, AND EVALUATES THE MONITORING AND DATA COLLECTION ELEMENTS OF A WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Develops, implements, maintains, and evaluates the monitoring and data collection elements of a statewide water management program. Uses biological, chemical, and physical evaluation techniques to ensure consistency in implementation and that technical requirements are met. Applies data and acquired knowledge to water quality modeling activities. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience DEVELOPING, IMPLEMENTING, MAINTAINING, AND EVALUATING the monitoring and data collection elements of a water management program; and applying data and acquired knowledge to water quality modeling activities.
  • B. I have experience DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING the monitoring and data collection elements of a water management program. I DO NOT have experience maintaining or evaluating the monitoring and data collection elements of a water management program or applying data and acquired knowledge to water quality modeling activities.
  • C. I have experience MAINTAINING AND EVALUATING the monitoring and data collection elements of a water management program; and applying data and acquired knowledge to water quality modeling activities. I DO NOT have experience developing or implementing the monitoring and data collection elements of a water management program.
  • D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to water quality or air quality.
  • 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The actual duties you performed related to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior.
  3. Your level of responsibility.
  4. Details regarding your experience maintaining and evaluating the monitoring and data collection elements of a water management program
  5. Details regarding your experience developing and implementing the monitoring and data collection elements of a water management program.
  6. Details regarding your experience applying data and acquired knowledge in water quality modeling activities.
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.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – DATA MANAGEMENT Produces and analyzes water quality program data using GIS, statistical software, or other open-platform data analysis tools to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, rectify data rejection issues, and generate reports for use by the federal government, environmental groups, agency personnel, and the general public. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience producing and analyzing water quality program data using GIS, statistical software, or other open-platform data analysis tools to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, rectify data rejection issues, AND generating reports for use by the federal government, environmental groups, agency personnel, and the general public.
  • B. I have experience producing and analyzing water quality program data using GIS, statistical software, or other open-platform data analysis tools to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and rectify data rejection issues. I DO NOT have experience generating reports.
  • C. I have experience generating reports for use by the federal government, environmental groups, agency personnel, and the general public. I DO NOT have experience producing and analyzing water quality program data to determine data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and rectify data rejection issues.
  • D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to GIS, statistics, or research design.
  • 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. Your experience analyzing program data to determine data accuracy or resolve discrepancies
  3. The actual duties you performed related to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior
  4. Your level of responsibility
  5. Details regarding your experience producing and analyzing water quality program data
  6. Details regarding your experience generating reports
11
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.
  1. College/University/Training Source
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 3– EXTRACTS, INTERPRETS, AND EXPLAINS INFORMATION Extracts and interprets physical, biological, and chemical data such as macroinvertebrate community, water column chemistry, basin characteristics, and modeling to provide explanation on water body health to government entities, citizen groups, or other stakeholder representatives. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience extracting AND interpreting physical, biological, and chemical data such as macroinvertebrate community, water column chemistry, basin characteristics, and modeling to provide explanation on water body health to government entities, citizen groups, or other stakeholder representatives.
  • B. I have experience interpreting physical, biological, and chemical data such as macroinvertebrate community, water column chemistry, basin characteristics, and modeling to provide explanation on water body health to government entities, citizen groups, or other stakeholder representatives. I DO NOT have experience extracting the data.
  • C. I have experience extracting physical, biological, and chemical data such as macroinvertebrate community, water column chemistry, basin characteristics, and modeling. I DO NOT have experience interpreting or explaining the data.
  • D. I have NO experience 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The actual duties you performed related to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior
  3. Your level of responsibility
  4. Details regarding your experience extracting data.
  5. Details regarding your experience interpreting and explaining data
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 4– REVIEWS AND INTERPRETS STATUTES AND REGULATIONS AND ASSESSES IMPACT Reviews and interprets water-related federal and state statutes and regulations and assesses the impact on water management and environmental protection issues. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience reviewing and interpreting water-related federal and state statutes and regulations AND assessing the impact on water management and environmental protection issues.
  • B. I have experience reviewing and interpreting water-related federal and state statutes and regulations. I DO NOT have experience assessing the impact on water management and environmental protection issues.
  • C. I have experience reviewing water-related federal and state statutes and regulations. I DO NOT have experience interpreting these statutes and regulations or assessing the impact on water management and environmental protection issues.
  • D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to public policy, or government/political science.
  • E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
15
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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. Your experience analyzing program data to determine data accuracy or resolve discrepancies
  3. The actual duties you performed related to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior
  4. Your level of responsibility
  5. Details regarding your experience assessing impact on water management and environmental protection issues
  6. Details regarding your experience interpreting statutes and regulations
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.
  1. College/University/Training Source
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Responds in writing to the general public, government personnel, and the regulated community seeking public information concerning water quality, watershed modeling, and data collection activities. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. have experience responding in writing to the general public, government personnel, and the regulated community seeking public information concerning water quality, watershed modeling, and data collection activities. I was responsible for the COMPLETE document.
  • B. I have experience preparing PORTIONS OR SECTIONS of the written responses to the general public, government personnel, and the regulated community seeking public information concerning water quality, watershed modeling, and data collection activities. I WAS NOT responsible for the complete written document.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to report writing, technical writing, business writing, or English composition.
  • D. I have NO experience or training related to this Work Behavior.
18
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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The actual duties you performed related to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior
  3. Your level of responsibility
  4. The type(s) of written communications for which you were responsible
19
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.
  1. College/University/Training Source
  2. Course Title(s)
  3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

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

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