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Environmental Advisor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Engage in a collaborative environment where team members regularly share ideas and support one ... Advisors are not expected to manage back-office functions -- infrastructure is fully in place

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Environmental Advisor information

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$4

$54

$72

How much do environmental advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental advisor in Tennessee is $54.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $61.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Environmental Advisor do?

An Environmental Advisor provides expert guidance on environmental regulations, sustainability practices, and environmental risk management within an organization or project. Their responsibilities often include conducting environmental assessments, ensuring compliance with laws and permits, and developing strategies to minimize environmental impact. They may also train staff on environmental policies and liaise with regulatory bodies. The goal is to help organizations operate responsibly while reducing their ecological footprint.

What does an Environmental Advisor do?

As an environmental advisor, your job is to help companies meet or exceed their environmental obligations. This involves reviewing company practices and comparing them to current regulations, visiting sites to inspect them, and providing advice on ecological risks posed by new projects. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of an environmental advisor often requires collecting and reporting contamination data, auditing ecological targets, and participating in meetings as necessary. Environmental advisors usually report to an environmental manager or consultant. Most environmental advisors work as contractors or for individual companies and have regular hours, but employers may occasionally call you in to help respond to environmental incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Advisor?

To thrive as an Environmental Advisor, you need a solid background in environmental science, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment, usually supported by a relevant degree such as environmental management or engineering. Familiarity with environmental management systems (e.g., ISO 14001), auditing tools, and knowledge of legislation are commonly required, and certifications like IEMA or NEBOSH are advantageous. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills help you influence sustainable practices and navigate complex regulations. These skills ensure effective environmental performance, regulatory compliance, and positive organizational impact.

What are some common challenges Environmental Advisors face when balancing regulatory compliance with business objectives?

Environmental Advisors often navigate the challenge of ensuring their organization remains compliant with environmental regulations while supporting overall business goals. This can involve interpreting complex legislation, finding practical solutions that align with both sustainability targets and operational needs, and communicating requirements to diverse teams. Balancing these priorities requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to negotiate and collaborate with various stakeholders. Staying updated on evolving regulations and industry best practices is also essential to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.

What is the difference between Environmental Advisor vs Environmental Specialist?

AspectEnvironmental AdvisorEnvironmental Specialist
CredentialsEnvironmental degree, certifications like EIA or NEBOSHEnvironmental degree, certifications like EIA or NEBOSH
Work EnvironmentAdvises on compliance, policy, and strategy; often in office or site visitsConducts assessments, data collection, and technical analysis; field and office work
Employer & IndustryConsulting firms, corporations, government agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, industry sectors, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding advisory roles, career differencesTechnical assessment, fieldwork, environmental analysis

Environmental Advisors focus on providing strategic guidance, policy compliance, and regulatory advice, often working in an advisory capacity. Environmental Specialists perform technical assessments, conduct fieldwork, and analyze environmental data. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across industries, but their core functions differ: Advisors guide and plan, while Specialists execute technical tasks.

How much does an environmental advisor make?

Environmental advisors typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with certifications, specialized skills, and years of experience in environmental consulting, compliance, or sustainability roles.

What degree do you need to be an environmental advisor?

Environmental advisors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or relevant certifications, along with strong knowledge of environmental regulations and data analysis skills.
Infographic showing various Environmental Advisor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,216 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Environmental - Principal

Franklin, TN โ€ข On-site

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Civil Engineering Constructionย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

As an Environmental  โ€“ Principal for Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) in our Franklin, TN office, youโ€™ll lead the growth and strategic direction of our Environmental Practice across the Southeast region. Youโ€™ll oversee a diverse portfolio of projects spanning air, water, and waste, while building strong client relationships and expanding our service offerings. 

At CEC, every team member is personally invested in serving our clients with integrity, delivering results that matter, and growing meaningful careers. As employee-owners, weโ€™re accountable not just for our work, but for creating an environment that supports and challenges one another. Our people are our priority โ€” and thatโ€™s what drives us to collaborate effectively, think strategically, and build lasting relationships both internally and externally. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Support the growth and expansion of CECโ€™s Environmental Practice in the Southeast region 
  • Develop new business opportunities while strengthening and managing existing client relationships 
  • Manage complex environmental projects, including scope, schedule, and budget oversight 
  • Provide regulatory liaison support with agencies such as TDEC, ADEM, MDEQ, GAEPD, and USEPA 
  • Oversee contaminated site investigations, remediation efforts, and brownfield redevelopment projects 
  • Guide environmental compliance efforts, including permitting, spill response planning, and multi-media monitoring 
  • Direct geochemical evaluations of groundwater, surface water, and soils, including interpretation of analytical data and contaminant fate and transport 
  • Oversee groundwater compliance evaluations and statistical analyses using industry-standard tools and platforms 
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop technical and project management staff to support practice growth 
  • Review and approve technical reports, regulatory submittals, and client deliverables 
  • Manage project financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control 

Our Nashville office, located in Franklin, TN, is home to a passionate and growing team of professionals. Just minutes from downtown Nashville, Franklin offers small-town charm with easy access to all that Nashville has to offer. Known for top-rated schools and welcoming neighborhoods, the area is a great place to grow both personally and professionally. From outdoor recreation and live music to professional sports and dining, Middle Tennessee offers something for everyone. 


  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Geology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline
  • Masterโ€™s degree required
  • Minimum of 20 years of environmental consulting experience, including at least 5 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role
  • Current Tennessee licensure as Professional Engineer (P.E.), Professional Geologist (P.G.), Certified Industrial Hygienist (C.I.H.), or Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP)
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and cost control
  • Strong experience preparing and submitting regulatory documentation and technical reports
  • Proven leadership experience supervising and developing technical and administrative staff
  • Established relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies

Preferred Capabilities:

  • Experience building or significantly expanding an environmental practice, service line, or client base
  • Strong background in RCRA investigations and corrective action programs
  • Experience conducting environmental due diligence, compliance audits, and environmental management system evaluations
  • Familiarity with EPA Unified Guidance and groundwater compliance methodologies
  • Experience with groundwater data analysis tools and platforms such as Sanitas
  • Active participation in professional organizations or industry associations
  • Health and Safety / OSHA compliance experience

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community โ€“ focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite โ€“ focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA โ€“ focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women โ€“ focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!


We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you โ€“ that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS

If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited.  Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.