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Entry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Springfield, IL

All JobsEnvironmental Science JobsEntry Level Environmental Science JobsEntry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Springfield, IL

Entry Level Environmental Science information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$12

$21

$34

How much do entry level environmental science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level environmental science in Springfield, IL is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level environmental science jobs?

Entry level environmental science jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the environmental science field, typically recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related discipline. These roles may include titles such as environmental technician, field assistant, laboratory analyst, or environmental consultant. Responsibilities often involve collecting and analyzing environmental data, assisting with fieldwork, preparing reports, and supporting environmental monitoring or remediation projects. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and are a stepping stone to more advanced roles in environmental science.

What types of projects do entry-level environmental scientists typically work on, and how much fieldwork is involved?

Entry-level environmental scientists often assist with site assessments, environmental monitoring, data collection, and report preparation for projects such as pollution investigations, habitat restoration, or regulatory compliance. The amount of fieldwork varies by employer and project, but you can expect a mix of office-based analysis and on-site sampling or observation, sometimes requiring travel or outdoor work in various weather conditions. These projects offer valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate with engineers, senior scientists, and regulatory agencies, helping you build both technical and teamwork skills early in your career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Environmental Science vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some roles may require a bachelor's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, government agencies, consulting firmsFieldwork, sampling, data collection, laboratory analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, environmental consulting firmsEnvironmental consulting, government agencies, industrial sites
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Environmental Science roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve research, analysis, and project planning in various environmental settings. Environmental Technicians often focus on field sampling and data collection, sometimes with an associate's degree or certification. Both roles are essential in environmental work, but they differ mainly in educational requirements and daily tasks.

How to start a career in entry level environmental science?

To start a career in entry level environmental science, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree such as environmental science, biology, or chemistry. Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or research projects and developing skills in data analysis, GIS, and environmental monitoring can improve job prospects. Certifications like the EPA's Environmental Professional Certification or OSHA safety training can also be beneficial.

Is it hard to get a job in entry level environmental science right now?

Entry level environmental science jobs are competitive but accessible for recent graduates with relevant skills such as data analysis, fieldwork, and knowledge of environmental regulations. Job availability depends on location, industry demand, and individual qualifications, with opportunities often found in government agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.
More about Entry Level Environmental Science jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Science jobs in Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Environmental Science jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Entry Level Environmental Science jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Entry Level Environmental Science job openings:

Entry Level Environmental Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Science job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,353 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Prairie Engineers

Springfield, IL • On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Build your career with Prairie Engineers, an award-winning firm!

Join a collaborative team that fuels your growth and rewards your dedication. We're a team looking to make a lasting impact and want people who embrace challenges, drive change, and help shape our collective future. If that's you, let's connect!

Prairie Engineers is a growing and progressive business. You will find opportunities for career advancement, a diverse range of clients, and varied projects across the nation. We value a people-focused culture, a "can-do" attitude, and responsiveness. Give us your best and we'll give you ours! We offer a flexible work environment, mentoring, and career growth plans to meet your individual needs while providing a competitive salary and benefits. We will accommodate full-time or part-time schedules in our Champaign, Columbia or Springfield, Illinois or Hannibal, Missouri offices.

What you Need:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABETaccredited university.
  • Primary Interest: Transportation or water resources engineering.
  • Travel: Willingness to travel within the United States to meet project requirements.
  • Safety: Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Licensure: Current licensure as an Engineer Intern or the ability to obtain with the first 6 months of employment.
    • What you will Do:
  • Planning, design, and construction phase services for a variety of projects and client types.
  • Coordinate staff activities with surveyors, engineers, environmental scientists, and CADD technicians.
    • What you can Add:
  • Software: Experience in GIS, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
  • Experience: Previous experience or internships
    • How you Align:
  • People Focused: Professional, respectful, and teamoriented with a strong work ethic and the ability to collaborate internally and externally.
  • Can Do Attitude: Positively engages with challenges, facilitates problemsolving, and takes initiative to deliver solutions.
  • Responsive: Communicates openly, proactively, and promptly, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    • Salary range: $62,000 - $85,000 determined by education, experience, licensure, and knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, as well as internal and external benchmarking.

    Check out the Careers page at prairieengineers.com for details on the attractive benefits package available including 401(k), medical insurance on day one, generous paid time off, professional development, and to find out why employees chose to join our team. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or any other legally protected status.

    Potential candidates for this position should include cover letter and resume. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. However, we are unable to sponsor current or future visas for this position.