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Environmental Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Defense Fund

NY · On-site

$138 - $160/hr

Lead, coordinate and be responsible for full execution of annual external financial statement audits for Environmental Defense Fund and Environmental Defense Action Fund, including preparation of ...

New

Stryker Corporation

Director, External Audits

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Overall Function The Director, External Audits leads Environmental Defense Fund's external and program audits as well as nonprofit tax reporting functions to ensure financial integrity, regulatory ...

New

EDF

Director, External Audits

New York, NY · On-site

The Director, External Audits leads Environmental Defense Fund's external and program audits as well as nonprofit tax reporting functions to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance and ...

Osv_edf

Director, External Audits

Boston, MA · Hybrid

The Director, External Audits leads Environmental Defense Fund's external and program audits as well as nonprofit tax reporting functions to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance and ...

Osv_edf

Director, External Audits

Washington, DC · Hybrid

The Director, External Audits leads Environmental Defense Fund's external and program audits as well as nonprofit tax reporting functions to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance and ...

Osv_edf

Director, External Audits

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

The Director, External Audits leads Environmental Defense Fund's external and program audits as well as nonprofit tax reporting functions to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance and ...

Jobot

Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · Remote

$140K - $200K/yr

This is a permanent position that offers a challenging and rewarding work environment, with ample ... defense cases, ensuring that all cases are handled efficiently and effectively. 2. Conduct thorough ...

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Environmental Defense information

See salary details

$12

$22

$34

How much do environmental defense jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental defense in the United States is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Environmental Defense vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmental DefenseEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, policy, or related field; often requires advocacy or policy experienceBachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field; research-focused
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, policy settingsResearch labs, field sites, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental advocacy, policy, and legal organizationsResearch institutions, government agencies, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Environmental Defense primarily involves advocacy, policy work, and legal efforts to protect the environment, often within nonprofit organizations. In contrast, Environmental Scientists focus on conducting research, analyzing data, and studying environmental issues in labs or field settings. While both roles aim to improve environmental health, their work environments, credentials, and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are some of the common challenges faced by professionals working in environmental defense roles?

Professionals in Environmental Defense often face challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, balancing stakeholder interests, and responding to rapidly evolving environmental policies. They may also encounter resistance from parties affected by proposed environmental changes, requiring strong negotiation and communication skills. Additionally, the work frequently involves interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists, policymakers, and legal experts to develop effective solutions for environmental protection.

What is environmental defense?

Environmental defense refers to the efforts and actions taken to protect the environment from harm caused by human activities. This includes advocating for policies, enforcing environmental laws, conducting scientific research, and raising public awareness about issues such as pollution, climate change, and conservation. Professionals in this field work with governments, organizations, and communities to develop solutions that balance ecological health with economic and social needs. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and a healthy environment for future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in environmental defense?

To excel in Environmental Defense, you typically need a background in environmental science, policy, or law, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with environmental regulations. Familiarity with data analysis tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and environmental impact assessment software is common in the field. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for engaging stakeholders and advocating for sustainable solutions. These skills enable professionals to effectively influence policy, drive positive environmental outcomes, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
More about Environmental Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Defense jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Defense job openings:
What states have the most Environmental Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Defense jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Defense jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Defense jobs are:
Environmental Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Defense job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,760 per year, or $22 per hour.

Trial Attorney - Environmental Defense Section

Department of Justice

Washington, DC • On-site

$99K/yr

Other

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

The Environmental Defense Section (EDS) represents the United States in complex and diverse civil litigation arising under a broad range of environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; Toxic Substances Control Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants must have the years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal experience for the specific grade level requirements listed below:

  • At least 1 year of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level.
  • At least 1.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-13 grade level.
  • At least 2.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level.
  • At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level.

Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation, trial work, and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.
Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is:
Washington DC:

  • GS-12 ($102,415 - $133,142)
  • GS-13 ($121,785 - $158,322)
  • GS-14 ($143,913 - $187,093)
  • GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200)
Denver, CO:
  • GS-12 ($ 99,800 - $129,742)
  • GS-13 ($118,675 - $154,280)
  • GS-14 ($140,239 - $182,316)
  • GS-15 ($164,956 -$197,200)


YOUR RESUME MUST provide specific details as to how your experience meets the specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement if you are using experience to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. Please ensure that your resume includes the month and year that you began and ended each position held or that position will not be credited toward meeting the experience requirement. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating.
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Education:

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Employment Type: OTHER

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