Career Prospects as Assistant Director and Deputy Director Field in EPA

To run its field operations, Environment Protection Department (EPD), Government of the Punjab, has its set up at district level through its attached department i.e. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Punjab. EPA has its following key posts along with supporting staff to manage environment protection functions in the Province:

1. Director, Basic Scale - 19
2. Deputy Director (Field), Basic Scale - 18
3. Assistant Director (Field), Basic Scale - 17
4. Senior Inspector, Basic Scale - 16

Jobs of Assistant Director (Field) and Deputy Director (Field)

Posts of Assistant Director (Field) and Deputy Director (Field) are important posts when it comes to the implementation of the policies of the Government and Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 2012 and its subsidiary Rules / Regulations. All the important documents such as routed through Assistant Director (Field) and Deputy Director. Assistant Director (Field) and Deputy Director (Field) are assigned the tasks of monitoring of their respective field offices particularly with respect to the polluted sites, industrial units, and general sites for environmental reviews. They supervise the work of Inspector Environment who prepares Environmental Reports. They also ensure overall implementation of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 2012, Hospital Waste Rules, Dengue Act, NEQS, Safety Measures Rules and other Rules.

Usually, in big cities, the district is headed by the Deputy Director Field and in the remaining cities Assistant Director (Field) does the job.

Recruitment Procedure of Both Posts

The recruitment of ADs and DDs is made through Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). EPD requests to PPSC with complete requirements. PPSC conducts exam and interview of the candidates. Finally, PPSC sends a list of successful candidates to EPD recommending them for appointment in government service against the posts in question.

Career Prospects of Both Posts

Environmental Sciences and Engineering Degree holders have better career prospects. Here we will discuss the posts of Assistant Director (Field) and Deputy Director Field along with career prospects one by one in the light of Environment Protection Department Service Rules, 1997.

Name of Post: Assistant Director (Field)

Qualification Required:

1. MSc / BS (2^nd Division) in Environmental Sciences from a recognized University OR
2. BSc (2^nd Division) in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Agricultural Engineering Sciences from a recognized University OR
3. Master Degree (2^nd Division) in Environmental Management or Equivalent from a recognized University.

Method of Recruitment:

1. 50% posts are filled by initial recruitment through PPSC;
2. 50% by promotion on seniority cum fitness basis from amongst Senior Inspector BS-16 who hold the qualification of BSc (Second Div.) from a recognized University and have 5 years experience as such.

Promotion Scope:

There are great chances for promotion and career prospects for Assistant Director Field. An Assistant Director Field is eligible for promotion as Deputy Director Field after 05 years service. Deputy Director Field is eligible for promotion as Director on completion of 12 years Service in BS-17 & above.

Name of Post: Deputy Director Field

Qualification Required:

1. PhD in Environmental Engineering / Environmental Sciences from a recognized University
2. If none is available with the above qualification then MPhil in Environmental Engineering / Environmental Sciences from a recognized University with two years experience in the relevant field.
3. If none is available with the above qualifications then MSc / MS in Environmental Engineering / Environmental Sciences from a recognized University with three years experience in the relevant field.

Method of Recruitment:

1. 20% of total available seats are filled by initial recruitment through PPSC;
2. 80% posts are filled by promotion from amongst Assistant Director Field on seniority cum fitness basis with 05 years experience.

Promotion Scope:

Post is very powerful in the field of Environment and very good chances for promotion. A Deputy Director (Field) BS-18 is eligible for promotion as Director BS-19 on completion of minimum length of service as may be prescribed by Government from time to time and then as Director General BS-20.