Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist

Lead the preparation of environmental impact assessments and statements for infrastructure, energy, and development projects under NEPA, CEQA, and international EIA frameworks. Coordinate multidisciplinary technical studies covering air quality, noise, biological resources, cultural resources, and socioeconomics. Manage agency coordination, public comment processes, and mitigation measure development to achieve regulatory approval for complex projects.

Median salary: $95,000. Projected growth to 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by infrastructure investment and renewable energy permitting. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $95,000
Entry-level: $60,000 - $78,000
Senior: $140,000+
Growth by 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by infrastructure investment and renewable energy permitting
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 60% Team / 40% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 3-5 years
Years to senior: 7-10 years
Career switching: Moderate
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $55,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

NEPA & CEQA EIA Process Management
Air Quality & Noise Impact Assessment
Biological Resources Survey Coordination
Cultural Resources & NHPA Section 106 Compliance
Public Scoping & Comment Response
Mitigation Measure Design & Monitoring

Soft skills

Technical Writing
Project Management
Regulatory Interpretation
Cross-Functional Coordination
Stakeholder Engagement

Technical complexity: High

Typical career path

EIA Analyst
EIA Specialist
Senior Specialist
EIA Project Manager
Director of Environmental Review