Position Overview

Performs beginning level professional work in a specialty area in the acquisition, preservation, management and enhancement of the state's environmental/natural resources. Acquires the knowledge, skills and abilities to function at the beginning level; assists higher level specialist in programmatic areas. Work involves the application of scientific principles, laws and regulations and program planning techniques in the areas of assignment. Areas may include grants and contract administration, environmental/natural resource program development and evaluation, education, or environmental monitoring and compliance. Assists in the planning, organization and implementation of a state-wide or regional specialty program. Travel over difficult terrain and in inclement weather may be required.  

 

Position Descriptions

• Environmental Resources Specialist 1
• Environmental Resources Specialist 2

 

Position Overview

Under direct supervision, works at a training level in the performance of 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. Performs related work as required.  

 

Position Descriptions

• Environmental Inspector In Training

 

Position Overview

With limited supervision, performs professional engineering work in a wide variety of engineering services or creative works, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training and experience in the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences to such services or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design of engineering works, and systems; planning the use of land and water; teaching of advanced engineering subjects, engineering surveys and studies; review of construction projects for the purpose of assuring compliance with drawings and specifications any of which embraces such services or work, either public or private, in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems, projects and industrial or consumer products or equipment of a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or thermal nature, insofar as they involve safeguarding life, health or property, and including such other professional services as may be necessary to the planning, progress and completion of any engineering services.  

 

Position Descriptions

• Engineer Trainee
• Engineer Associate
• Engineer

 

The WVDEP Water Quality Standards and Assessment Section (WQSAS) is responsible for monitoring, assessing, and reporting on the quality of WV’s waterbodies, including rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands.  

Assessing the water quality determines if waterbodies support their designated uses, such as drinking water, aquatic life/fisheries, and contact recreation. WQSAS is also responsible for developing restoration plans that identify pollutant sources and prescribe reductions to specific pollutants.  

WQSAS field staff perform essential fieldwork to collect data used to fulfill these responsibilities. WQSAS Interns will have an opportunity to participate in various fieldwork roles. All work will be under the supervision of a full-time biologist/specialist and training will be provided on all methods as expected.  

• Water Quality Standards Homepage
• WQSAS Brochure
• Apply Today

 

Field Work Includes

Travel

Travel across the state as a part of a field crew often staying out 3 nights per week. This level of travel could be frequent or weekly based on assignment. (Travel reimbursement is included).  

Collection

Collection of water quality samples for laboratory analysis, as well as extensive habitat documentation in accordance with WQSAS standard operating procedures. Collection of aquatic life such as benthic macro-invertebrates as well as game and non-game fish specimens.  

Explore

Work in remote areas that can only be accessedby hiking over rough terrain, as well as wading of streams with various bottom substrates. Use of a boat is possible in deep water conditions, so the ability to swim is encouraged.  

Protection

Exposure to various weather conditions, such as high heat or heavy rain over a typical long field day (at times longer than a 12-hour workday), and be expected. Personnel to wear equipment such as chest waders, raincoats, and life vests are provided for intern use.  

 

The Office of Environmental Remediation’s (OER) goal is to aid local governments, nonprofits, developers, and landowners in the redevelopment of properties with perceived or confirmed environmental contamination. The OER seeks to protect human health and the environment by managing the assessment and cleanup of these properties.  

Ready to learn a lot and have fun this summer? For more information, contact Erin.R.Brittain@wv.gov.  

 

WVDEP’s Office of Environmental Remediation consists of the following programs:  

• Voluntary Remediation Program
• Brownfields Assistance Program
• Superfund Program

 

OER interns will have the opportunity to participate in both office work and fieldwork duties. Working closely with environmental professionals, interns will have the opportunity to visit active sites, develop connections with our partners throughout the state, and learn the ins and outs of environmental remediation. Help us turn eyesores into assets and support West Virginians in recreating their communities!  

Interns may work out of the WVDEP Fairmont Office located at 1000 Technology Drive in Fairmont, WV. Statewide travel and a driver’s license are required for the internship.  

 

• Community Outreach
• Site Assessments
• Development of Remediation Plans
• Oversight of Remediation Work
• Long-term Institutional Control Oversight
• Much more!

 

Water Resources & Environmental Field Work

Are you a passionate, environmentally-conscious student looking for a hands-on learning experience? Join our team for a summer internship focused on water resources management and environmental fieldwork! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience in a vital field while contributing to impactful projects.  

 

• Apply

 

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WVDEP) State Revolving Fund (SRF) is hiring one to two full-time summer interns to work in the engineering section of the SRF. This position is based in the Charleston, WV headquarters and will work alongside SRF engineers and project managers to gain real-world experience on water and wastewater projects. This position will perform entry-level engineering work under the close supervision of a professional engineer, including reviewing project documents such as preliminary engineering reports, facilities plans, plans and specifications, design reports, and long-term control plans and performing construction inspections.  

 

• Clean Water State Revolving Fund Homepage
• SRF Brochure
• Apply Today