Environmental Compliance Specialist

Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations including Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, and CERCLA requirements. Conduct compliance audits, prepare regulatory permit applications and reports, manage environmental monitoring programs, and respond to regulatory agency inspections and enforcement actions. Develop and deliver environmental compliance training and maintain regulatory tracking systems.

Median salary: $88,000. Projected growth to 2033: 7% (as fast as average) - driven by regulatory enforcement and industrial expansion. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $88,000
Entry-level: $55,000 - $72,000
Senior: $130,000+
Growth by 2033: 7% (as fast as average) - driven by regulatory enforcement and industrial expansion
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 50% Team / 50% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 2-4 years
Years to senior: 5-8 years
Career switching: Easy
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

EPA CAA/CWA/RCRA/CERCLA Compliance
Environmental Permit Application & Management
Compliance Audit Methodology
Environmental Monitoring Program Management
Regulatory Agency Inspection Response
Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001)

Soft skills

Regulatory Interpretation
Written Communication
Attention to Detail
Stakeholder Engagement
Organizational Skills

Technical complexity: High

Typical career path