Introduction
Are you seeking career growth within the State of Connecticut? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is seeking to fill an Engineer Trainee vacancy in the Field Enforcement Unit of the Bureau of Air Management’s Enforcement Division located in Hartford, CT. Recent graduates and future May 2026 graduates with degrees in applied mathematics, physical or biological sciences, engineering, meteorology, public health, or statistics are encouraged to apply!
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and development opportunities
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees
- The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- This position is full-time, following a first shift schedule, Monday - Friday, and 35 hours per week with opportunities for a hybrid schedule that includes telework.
- The position will require routine in-state travel in support of the unit's work, e.g., conducting on-site inspections and will also require infrequent out-of-state travel for training and to attend regional and national work groups and conferences.
- This position offers a unique opportunity to join a team committed to the regulatory enforcement of state and federal air quality requirements at stationary air pollution sources throughout the state.
- Engineer Trainees learn to conduct comprehensive source inspections and to prepare enforcement cases to address noncompliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Trainees are required to attend formal training classes and to review self-study materials to enhance their knowledge of the principles and practices of air pollution control.
- Within the Enforcement Division, the Field Enforcement Unit is responsible for inspecting and investigating stationary sources of air pollution to determine compliance with applicable state and federal air pollution laws.
PLEASE NOTE: This position receives training under the direction of a supervisor or senior staff for a period of one year. Promotion to Environmental Protection Air Pollution Control Engineer 1 will occur after successful completion of the training program.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs – and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.
Within the Bureau of Air Management (BAM), our mission is to protect human health, safety, and the environment and to enhance the quality of life of Connecticut citizens by implementing regulatory programs and supporting policies to advance clean air and climate change objectives, advance radiation safety, and promote public health.
The Bureau consists of four divisions: Planning & Standards, Engineering, Radiation, and Enforcement.
For an inside look at what it's like to work as an employee for the State of Connecticut, please watch the video below!
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Alejandro G. Dávila-Hurtado at Alejandro.Davila-Hurtado@CT.Gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for receiving training in introductory professional engineering work for the development of technical and professional engineering skills and knowledge in order to qualify for advancement to the technical engineering work of the agency.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Examples of duties include but are not limited to:
- Conduct comprehensive source inspections to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal air pollution statutes and regulations;
- Evaluate all types of air pollution sources and their associated control equipment;
- Perform potential emission rate and actual emission rate calculations;
- Review testing reports; observe and document operating parameters; observe and document work practices; review compliance and testing reports; collect and document data and evidence to support enforcement cases;
- Conduct inspections in response to public complaints;
- Prepare detailed inspection/investigation reports and recommend appropriate enforcement action;
- Meet with company representatives, members of the public, and other officials in matters related to air pollution enforcement;
- Attend formal training classes and review self-study materials to enhance knowledge of the principles and practices of air pollution control;
- Testify in administrative and/or judicial hearings; and
- Perform related duties, as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of basic engineering theories, principles and methods;
- Skill in the use of drafting and calculating instruments;
- Considerable ability to perform mathematical computations, making neat and accurate drawings and preparing minor design and structural details;
- Ability to utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated job class at the completion of the development program.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional experience or academic coursework in the principles and practices of air pollution control;
- Professional experience or academic coursework in the interpretation, application, and enforcement of air pollution control statutes, regulations, and permits;
- Professional experience or completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering discipline, or atmospheric science discipline;
- Experience gathering, organizing, synthesizing, analyzing, and presenting data sets utilizing mapping applications;
- Experience communicating technical, regulatory, and policy information pertaining to the air quality field to audiences verbally and in writing.
- Experience installing, operating, calibrating, repairing, or maintaining air pollution monitoring equipment; and
- Experience reading and interpreting schematics, diagrams, and service manuals.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.