About the Department
This is supervisory environmental science work directing a staff of lower level scientists, engineers and technical personnel in analyzing data and solving environmental problems. Employees perform work in the Planning and Water Resources or Bureau of Laboratory Services assignments in the Water Department. Work includes development and revision of procedures and methodology, review of data, planning, directing and conducting researching projects, and preparing technical reports. Employees are responsible for the evaluation of staff and program results. Contact with the public, civic and industrial groups, regulatory agencies, researchers and officials is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level scientist or engineer.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Diana Salcido
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-685-5835
Fax: 215-686-2317
Email: diana.salcido@phila.gov
For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or emailhrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Position Duties
ELIGIBLE LIST: DEPARTMENTAL-ONLY PROMOTIONAL
Only a departmental promotional eligible list for the Philadelphia Water Department will be established as a result of this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence on this application. This response will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
IF AN ORAL EXAM IS HELD:
PROJECTED EXAM DATE:
This examination will be scheduled for June 24, 2026. Please note that this examination date is subject to change.
Candidates will need access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access to take the examination. Candidates taking an oral examination may have their responses rated by a panel of Subject Matter Experts on the date of the examination, or have their responses recorded and rated by Subject Matter Experts at a later date. If you do not have access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access, please contact the analyst listed on this announcement and alternative arrangements will be made for you to take this examination.
IF A TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION IS HELD:
Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.
Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.
ELIGIBLE LIST: An Eligible List will be established the week of July 6, 2026. Please note that this date may change.
TEST REVIEWIF AN ORAL EXAM IS HELD:In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091B, candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file appeals. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.11, only candidates who have failed the oral examination may appeal to the Civil Service Commission upon the grounds of irregularity, bias, or fraud in the conduct of the oral test. Issues related to the suitability or adequacy of point scores awarded to passers are not appealable to the Commission. Call 215-686-0880 if you wish to schedule a Test Review.
IF A TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION IS HELD:
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
Minimum Qualifications
College
Other Qualifications
ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 6 months (November 24, 2026) of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.
1. CIVIL SERVICE STATUS:
Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Philadelphia Water Department with a performance rating of Satisfactory or higher.
AND2. EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific field.*
AND3. GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience performing environmental science work.
AND4. SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
Two years of the above experience at the full performance level in environmental science work analyzing data and solving environmental problems in the area of Aquatic Sciences, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Environmental Policy and Environmental Resources Management, or Plant Sciences.
NOTE: In accordance with PA Department of Environmental Protection Chapter 252.302requirements, specific positions in the Bureau of Laboratory Services must have completed the required specific experience in a laboratory performing analyses in the fields of accreditation and must have completed 16 credit hours in biology, of which 4 credits must be in microbiology depending on the area of assignment.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and the specific experience.
NOTE: Completion of a master's degree program at an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific field may be substituted for the general experience.
City of Philadelphia class that typically meets the specific experience requirement:
- Environmental Scientist 2 (3H13)
*Qualifying scientific fields include:
- Aquatic Sciences: Aquatic Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Aquatic Toxicology, Limnology, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Oceanography, Wetland Sciences, Wildlife and Fisheries Management
- Biological Sciences: Bacteriology, Biology, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology
- Earth Sciences: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Geosciences, Geology, Geochemistry, Hydrology
- Environmental Policy and Environmental Resource Management: Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable/Renewable Energy Management, Watershed Management, Wildlife Science, Forest Science
- Plant Sciences: Botany, Forestry, Plant Biology, Plant Taxonomy, Soil Sciences
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions in accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the specified education, training and/or experience to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified qualification.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement. Transcripts MUST indicate conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration or certification.
If you have ever submitted a paper transcript for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you must submit another document.
Option 1 - Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration or certification – One time only!
You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.
Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.
Option 2 – Submit a paper transcript, license, registration or certification – Separate document required for each application
If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.
Mailing address for paper transcript and other required materials:
Diana Salcido
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-685-5835
Fax: 215-686-2317
Email:
diana.salcido@phila.gov