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Early Environmental Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Environmental Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Environmental Engineer (Early Career) Knoxville, TN | Full-Time | Office-Based A well-established environmental consulting firm in Knoxville, Tennessee is seeking an early-career Environmental ...

About the Role The Environmental Engineer will lead environmental compliance and permitting for ... early, helping the company scale rapidly while rigidly protecting the air, land, and water of the ...

CDM Smith is looking for an Environmental Engineer to join our Water Services Group in Honolulu ... This position presents an excellent opportunity for early career candidates to apply their ...

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Early Environmental Engineer information

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$38.5K

$91.2K

$133K

How much do early environmental engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for early environmental engineer in the United States is $91,191.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Early Environmental Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Early Environmental Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental science or engineering, problem-solving skills, and a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental modeling tools, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management skills help you stand out when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for effectively addressing environmental challenges, ensuring compliance, and contributing to sustainable project outcomes.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior environmental engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in leadership roles or consulting positions. Achieving this level often requires years of experience, a strong track record, and sometimes working in high-demand industries or locations with higher compensation standards.

What does an Early Environmental Engineer do?

An Early Environmental Engineer typically assists in designing, developing, and implementing solutions to environmental problems. Their responsibilities often include conducting site assessments, collecting and analyzing environmental data, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They may work on projects related to pollution control, waste management, water and air quality, and sustainable development. Early career professionals usually work under the supervision of more experienced engineers while gaining hands-on experience and technical knowledge. This role is vital for protecting natural resources and public health.

What types of projects and tasks can an Early Environmental Engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Early Environmental Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as site assessments, environmental impact studies, and remediation efforts. Typical tasks include collecting soil and water samples, preparing technical reports, conducting fieldwork under supervision, and assisting with data analysis. You’ll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including senior engineers, scientists, and regulatory specialists. This hands-on experience helps you build foundational skills and gain exposure to different aspects of environmental engineering, setting the stage for future advancement.

What does an entry level environmental engineer do?

An entry-level environmental engineer assists with assessing environmental impacts, collecting data, and supporting the development of solutions to environmental problems. They often perform fieldwork, use software for modeling and analysis, and work under supervision to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.

Is there a high demand for environmental engineers?

Environmental engineers are in high demand due to increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable solutions. Job growth is expected to be faster than average, with opportunities in consulting firms, government agencies, and private industry, often requiring knowledge of environmental laws and engineering tools.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior environmental engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or consulting firms. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in regions with higher compensation standards.

What is the difference between Early Environmental Engineer vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEarly Environmental EngineerEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and analysis in labs or officesFieldwork, sampling, and data collection on-site
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, consulting companies, government agenciesEnvironmental service companies, labs, field agencies

Early Environmental Engineers focus on designing solutions, analyzing environmental data, and developing projects, often working in offices or labs. Environmental Technicians primarily conduct field sampling and data collection. Both roles support environmental protection but differ in responsibilities and required education.

More about Early Environmental Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Early Environmental Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,191 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Early Professional, Environmental Engineer

Early Professional, Environmental Engineer

WSP

Shelton, CT

Other

Posted 4 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Career Environmental Engineer to join our Earth & Environment Team in our Shelton or Glastonbury, Connecticut offices. Be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges. 

You will be part of a growing organization committed to meeting client objectives and solving complex environmental challenges. This position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver practical, innovative, and sustainable solutions to some of the world's most challenging environmental problems.

Your Impact
  • With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, extracting, identifying, and compiling environmental data from soil sampling, soil gas sampling, groundwater sampling, stormwater sampling, boring logs, and other matrices for projects, investigations, and surveys.
  • Review, integrate, collect data, and perform quality control from environmental regulatory, and other databases.
  • Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements and statistical analysis of environmental data.
  • Perform basic professional environmental engineering work relating to air emission sources, hazardous or solid waste facilities, water supply facilities, industrial and agricultural facilities, pollution sources, existing site conditions, water resource, and underground storage tanks.
  • Assists with verifying the characteristics of a site, providing technical assistance on various environmental issues. 
  • Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and software.
  • Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but is not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, laboratory documentation, written procedures, and field/work site logbooks.
  • Assist technical staff and project managers with environmental risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with low-level threat mitigation activities and remediation projects.
  • Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
  • Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of field work permitting.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks. 
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical, Civil, or a closely related discipline.
  • 0 to 1 years of relevant post-education experience in environmental engineering or a related field.  
  • Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions. 
  • Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and methods and their application to environmental and project work-related issues. 
  • Familiarity with the concepts of reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances, processes, or products., as well as awareness of mitigation programs.
  • Familiarity with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, math principles, predictive models, and tools.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
     

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Environmental Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Engineer-in-Training Certification, or ability to obtain one.
  • 40 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Training (29 CFR 1910.120).
  • Basic First Aid and Adult CPR certification.

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