Nature of Work

Trainee level technical and field inspection work in environmental protection programs. Determines compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permits, best management practices, and/or contracts within an assigned region of the state. Work involves intensive training programs. Work is characterized by initial performance of job duties accompanied by an inspector, technical staff, training officer, or specialist, or supervisor. With gradual assumption of more independence and authority, and as proficiency is demonstrated, supervision becomes less direct. As the employee progresses in the performance of assigned and statutory duties, conditional apprenticeship assignment may be made to a specific geographic area of the state, during which the employee exercises all authority and is assigned responsibility in accordance with the laws of West Virginia pertaining to the area of assignment. Work requires travel and outside work in varying weather conditions and over difficult terrain. Subject to emergency response, being on-call and temporary assignment to a different geographical area of the state, as necessitated by environmental conditions and agency needs. May be assigned to an area of specialization, as detailed above.

This announcement is not for a specific vacancy. It is used to build an applicant pool for expected future hiring needs. Positions are located throughout the state. If you qualify and need more information about specific vacancies or hiring plans, please contact the hiring agency directly. Please contact the Department of Environmental Protection Staffing/Classification and Compensation unit at depprehire@wv.gov or 304-926-0499.

Hiring Process: This job is a tested position indicated with a (T) beside the title and requires an online examination. Once your application is received, you will be notified from CourseMill (web-based Learning Management System). You must complete the online examination within three (3) days of receiving your notification or your application will be inactivated.

DO NOT APPLY UNLESS YOU CAN TEST WITHIN three (3) DAYS after receiving your notification from CourseMill. Online applicants who do not test within three (3) days of receiving this notification will be inactivated. There is a thirty (30 day) re-test waiting period.

Caution: Any time you retake the same test, your new score, whether higher or lower, will automatically replace any previous test scores.

If you have previously applied for this job and simply want to update your ID (name, address, etc.), work preferences, or county availability, do not re-apply. Instead, email us at applicantservices@wv.gov.

ATTENTION: Applicant must verify post high school education by submitting an official transcript or diploma, training or licensure earned pertaining to this position by the closing date of the posting, if not previously verified. If you are claiming Veterans preference, please submit "MEMBER 4" form and/or your VA Letter. Protecting your personal information is our highest priority. If your official transcript, training/licensure, or Veterans documentation contains your Social Security Number and/or birthdate, please redact that information before submitting it to the Division of Personnel.

Please attach documents to the online application before submitting it. Or, you may email it to: applicantservices@wv.gov or by mail to: WV Division of Personnel, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Building 3, Suite 500, Charleston, WV 25305. This announcement is for one or more specific vacancies and only applies to the location(s) indicated. Your application will remain active for this job for 365 days or until the job is filled. Application for this job does not automatically qualify you for other positions. Be sure to submit your application for each position of interest. To receive an email notice anytime jobs in this or other categories are posted, you may choose to complete a Job Interest Card from the slide-out menu located at the top left of our Job Opportunities page.

Examples of Work

• Learns to perform assigned duties under the guidance of a trained inspector or supervisor.
• Collects samples from state waters, soil and discharges for field and laboratory analyses to determine environmental quality and compliance; documents findings.
• Makes regular inspections of sites to ascertain types of wastes produced, sources and volume of wastes, efficiency of treatment, disposal methods, compliance with laws, regulations, issued permit conditions, reclamation contracts, best management practices or to determine the condition of state waters, or to evaluate surface mining and reclamation practices.
• Discusses with public officials, private business representatives and the general public, their efforts to protect the environment and to outline pertinent statutory and regulatory obligations.
• Investigates complaints pertaining to suspected environmental harm from point sources, nonpoint sources, or regulated facilities.
• Conducts field reviews of permit applications, contract proposals or sediment control plans.
• Determines the intervals and appropriate sites for sampling and records pertinent data concerning relevant factors.
• Inspects sites under construction and/or during operation for compliance with contracts, permits or best management practices.
• Responds, in accordance with approved emergency response procedures, to spills or releases of pollutants, some of which may be hazardous substances.
• Consults with supervisor on observations, variances cited in complying with regulations, and problems noted during inspections in order to determine courses of action which will accomplish the regulatory objectives.
• Initiates criminal, administrative or civil enforcement or prosecution actions against suspected violators of environmental protection laws; testifies in court or administrative proceedings as required.
• Orders immediate cessation of any operation or portion thereof when provided for by law where the public welfare or safety calls for such or when necessary due to noncompliance with law, regulations, permit conditions, and/or agency orders.
• Makes decisions on change orders on reclamation contracts, adequacy of construction materials and methods, and verifies appropriateness of payment requests.
• Writes technical and activity reports.

• Knowledge of the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and chemistry.
• Knowledge of current research and technical information pertinent to area of assignment.
• Knowledge of mathematics and algebra.
• Knowledge of scientific sampling methods and analytical procedures.
• Knowledge of basic first-aid procedures, safety regulations and precautionary measures.
• Ability to learn state and federal laws and regulations and agency policies and procedures related to environmental protection programs.
• Ability to learn to prepare warrants to submit to the court, which court jurisdiction to approach, and how to testify effectively before the court as a witness for the state.
• Ability to learn to apply acceptable methods, procedures, and approaches to making a complete and satisfactory investigation of suspected environmental harm by point sources and nonpoint sources.
• Ability to learn to use and properly maintain laboratory and field monitoring equipment, motorboats, mobile radio equipment, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and cameras.
• Ability to perform chemical field tests and interpret results.
• Ability to read and interpret technical reports, topographic maps, engineering plans, and construction specifications, and to enforce adherence thereto.
• Ability to keep accurate records, analyze, assemble and evaluate data and prepare technical reports in a clear and concise form, including recommendations for any warranted corrective actions.
• Ability to understand statutory and regulatory procedures and to explain these procedures clearly and concisely.
• Ability to walk long distances in adverse weather over rugged terrain and to lift and carry equipment for considerable distances.
• Ability to work in special apparel such as, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), respirator, and/or encapsulating suit.
• Ability to learn to swim.

Minimum Qualifications

Training: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in natural or applied science, engineering, or occupational safety and health.Substitution: Full-time or equivalent part-time paid inspection, technical, or professional employment in one of the areas of assignment may substitute for the required training on a year-to-year-basis.
Special Requirements: Must possess a valid driver's license. For work in the areas of hazardous waste management and solid waste management, must take and pass physical examination within the first six months of employment and submit to annual follow-up examinations. Failure to pass the initial examination will result in termination of employment. Failure to pass a subsequent examination may result in reassignment.

Note: Personnel engaged in activities associated with hazardous wastes risk exposure to situations or chemicals which may cause illness or injury if proper procedures are not followed.

Candidates are sometimes selected on the basis of specific training or experience that is related to the position assignment area. The position areas are shown below. Make sure your application includes sufficient information to determine your specific position qualifications.

Areas of Assignment:
Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation
Environmental Compliance Monitoring
Hazardous Waste Management
Surface Mining Reclamation
Solid Waste Management
Water Pollution Control
Air Quality