Environmental Inspector-In-Training (T) Jobs

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 [email protected] 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 ten (10) days of receiving your notification or your application will be inactivated.

DO NOT APPLY UNLESS YOU CAN TEST WITHIN ten (10) DAYS after receiving your notification from CourseMill. Online applicants who do not test within ten (10) 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 [email protected].

Examples of Work

• Writes technical and activity reports.
• Collects samples from state waters, soil and discharges for field and laboratory analyses to determine environmental quality and compliance; documents findings.
• Makes decisions on change orders on reclamation contracts, adequacy of construction materials and methods, and verifies appropriateness of payment requests.
• Conducts field reviews of permit applications, contract proposals or sediment control plans.
• 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.
• Initiates criminal, administrative or civil enforcement or prosecution actions against suspected violators of environmental protection laws; testifies in court or administrative proceedings as required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Responds, in accordance with approved emergency response procedures, to spills or releases of pollutants, some of which may be hazardous substances.
• 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.
• Learns to perform assigned duties under the guidance of a trained inspector or supervisor.
• Investigates complaints pertaining to suspected environmental harm from point sources, nonpoint sources, or regulated facilities.
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret technical reports, topographic maps, engineering plans, and construction specifications, and to enforce adherence thereto.
• Ability to work in special apparel such as, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), respirator, and/or encapsulating suit.
• Knowledge of mathematics and algebra.
• 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 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 state and federal laws and regulations and agency policies and procedures related to environmental protection programs.
• Ability to walk long distances in adverse weather over rugged terrain and to lift and carry equipment for considerable distances.
• Ability to perform chemical field tests and interpret results.
• Knowledge of the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and chemistry.
• Knowledge of basic first-aid procedures, safety regulations and precautionary measures.
• 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.
• Knowledge of scientific sampling methods and analytical procedures.
• Ability to learn to swim.
• Ability to understand statutory and regulatory procedures and to explain these procedures clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge of current research and technical information pertinent to area of assignment.

Minimum Qualifications

Other Information

If you decide to apply you will be required to answer the online Supplemental Questions shown in the tab above. Your responses will be made available to the hiring manager. You will be required to verify all responses. IMPORTANT: Any related experience indicated in the Supplemental Questions MUST also be detailed in the "Work Experience" section of your application. Misleading claims or statements is grounds for permanent disqualification.