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Environmental Engineer Trainee Jobs in Lompoc, CA

Environmental Engineer Trainee information

See Lompoc, CA salary details

$14

$21

$37

How much do environmental engineer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental engineer trainee in Lompoc, CA is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $25.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an environmental engineer trainee do?

An Environmental Engineer Trainee assists experienced engineers in designing, planning, and implementing projects that help protect the environment. Typical tasks include collecting and analyzing environmental data, preparing reports, conducting site assessments, and supporting the development of solutions to issues like pollution, waste management, and water treatment. Trainees also learn to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards while gaining hands-on experience to advance their careers. This role provides foundational training and exposure to various aspects of environmental engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental engineer trainee?

To thrive as an Environmental Engineer Trainee, you need a solid grounding in environmental science and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as GIS software, AutoCAD, and environmental modeling systems, as well as knowledge of relevant regulations, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help trainees collaborate on projects and convey complex information clearly. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate data analysis, regulatory compliance, and successful project outcomes in the environmental sector.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an environmental engineer trainee expect during their first year?

As an Environmental Engineer Trainee, you will typically assist with data collection, site assessments, and environmental monitoring as part of larger project teams. Early responsibilities often include preparing reports, conducting basic analyses, and supporting senior engineers with regulatory compliance tasks. You may also participate in field visits, sample collection, and the implementation of environmental protection measures. This role provides exposure to a variety of projects, such as water and air quality management, waste treatment, and environmental impact assessments, allowing you to develop a strong foundation for advancement.

What is the difference between Environmental Engineer Trainee vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectEnvironmental Engineer TraineeEnvironmental Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related field; internship or trainee programBachelor's degree; often requires professional engineering (PE) license for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, often in training programs or internshipsFull professional role, independent project work, field and office settings
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs, entry-level positions in environmental consulting, government, industryEstablished professional roles in similar sectors, responsible for project design and implementation

The main difference between an Environmental Engineer Trainee and an Environmental Engineer is experience level and responsibility. Trainees are in training, gaining skills and knowledge, while Environmental Engineers are fully qualified professionals managing projects independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Lompoc, CA?

The most popular types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Lompoc, CA are:

What cities near Lompoc, CA are hiring for Environmental Engineer Trainee jobs?

Cities near Lompoc, CA with the most Environmental Engineer Trainee job openings:

Space Operations Wargaming Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Prevailance

Lompoc, CA • On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Contract
Description
This position is contingent upon contract award. Multiple positions available.
The Space Operations Wargaming SME is responsible for designing, developing, executing, and assessing wargaming scenarios and exercise events that replicate realistic operational environments. This role ensures students/trainees are prepared to operate in contested, degraded, and operationally limited (CDO) space environments.
Tasks
Wargaming Design & Execution
  • Create and facilitate space operations capstone level wargame in support of 9 mission areas: Orbital Warfare, Space Electromagnetic Warfare, Cyber Warfare, Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR), Missile Warning/Missile Defense, C2-CSpOC, C2-NSDC, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
  • Create operationally realistic injects, vignettes, and adversarial conditions that challenge student decision-making in space domain operations
  • Execute tabletop exercises, simulation-based wargames, and live-virtual-constructive (LVC) environments
  • Manage wargaming events from concept through after-action review (AAR), ensuring fidelity to real-world USSF operational doctrine and TTPs
  • Develop and maintain wargaming training materials including scenario packages, red team playbooks, facilitator guides, and student assessments
  • Align wargaming objectives with training standards, and Joint doctrine

Administration and Coordination
  • Incorporate lessons learned from operational space units, exercise programs and allied/partner training events
  • Maintain all exercise documentation in the curriculum management system in accordance with training standards
  • Collaborate with course directors, curriculum developers, and subject matter experts to integrate wargaming into formal training pipelines
  • Assess and update wargaming curricula on a recurring basis to reflect changes in adversary capabilities, doctrine, and emerging space threats
  • Support integration of classified operational data and intelligence products into unclassified/classified training scenarios as appropriate
  • Coordinate with higher headquarters, services, and allied partners for joint and combined wargaming opportunities.
  • Support USSF-wide wargaming initiatives and other designated exercises as required
  • Interface with the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), Space Delta training elements, and other USSF training entities to synchronize wargaming efforts
  • Maintain documentation of all wargaming events, scenario libraries, and student performance records

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of five (5) years in executing military wargames
  • Expert knowledge of basic game designs
  • Demonstrated knowledge in building playable but accurate games for space systems
  • Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide graphical representation and abstraction of space movement and maneuvering
  • Ability to integrate space capabilities into the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) and Exercise Life Cycle
  • Knowledge of Tabletop Seminar, Role-Based Tabletop Simulation, and Distributed Operations Simulation
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct problem-solving and adaptability to dynamic space operational environments
  • Ability to analyze complex technical content and translate it into clear, sequenced instruction aligned to performance objectives.
  • Ability to communicate technical details to military operational and planning audience
  • Skill in using distributed training systems, simulator platforms, and computer-based training (CBT) tools

Desired Qualifications
  • Minimum of five (5) years in U.S. military Space Operations as military member or civilian
  • Deep understanding of space domain operations, including satellite communications, space surveillance, and space-based sensors
  • Experience in conducting operational or tactical games on US Space Operations to include the nine (9) mission areas
  • Experience in modeling and simulating orbital mechanics and space flight
  • Experience in designing scenarios linking space operations to public policy, cyber, acquisition, and strategic defense
  • Experience in facilitating entry level wargames
  • Experience developing threat scenarios using intelligence community products and red team methodologies

Education Requirements
  • Bachelors degree or Certificate in Wargaming from a military affiliated institution desired

Clearance Level: TS/SCI clearance eligibility is required
Salary Description
$135,000-$185,000