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Environmental Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

At Plymouth Tube, environmental stewardship and operational excellence go hand in hand. We are ... inspections. 3. Wastewater Management โ€ข Oversee wastewater compliance programs, including ...

At Plymouth Tube, environmental stewardship and operational excellence go hand in hand. We are ... inspections. 3. Wastewater Management โ€ข Oversee wastewater compliance programs, including ...

Environmental Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in site inspections, audits, and project meetings. * Contribute to ongoing learning and ... Environmental science, health, technicians, etc., do not meet this classification) * 5-10 years of ...

ANSI Inspector

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and to helping our customers do so as well. Across every industry we serve, we offer inspection and engineering ...

Quality Inspector

Lake Zurich, IL

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work Environment This position is based in an electronics manufacturing environment, working with electro-mechanical systems and components. The role is part of a small receiving inspection team of ...

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Environmental Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$66K

$109.7K

How much do environmental inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental inspector in Chicago, IL is $66,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $77,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental inspector?

Environmental inspectors are professionals who monitor and enforce environmental laws and regulations. They conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with environmental standards, investigate complaints, and may collect samples of air, water, or soil for laboratory analysis. Their work helps protect public health and the environment by preventing pollution and ensuring businesses adhere to legal requirements. Environmental inspectors may work for government agencies or private organizations. They often prepare reports, recommend corrective actions, and sometimes participate in legal proceedings related to environmental violations.

What does an environmental inspector do?

An environmental inspector is responsible for making routine inspections of sources of pollution and determining whether the producers are in compliance with all environmental laws. Your duties and responsibilities in this career include field investigation of job sites and industrial facilities, such as manufacturing and energy plants. You collect samples for testing, interview workers, and determines whether there have been any violations of environmental laws. If you determine public health or land is at risk, you write recommendations to your supervisors who determine the course of action for the offender.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Inspector, you need a solid understanding of environmental regulations, site assessment techniques, and a relevant degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with environmental monitoring equipment, GIS software, and regulatory databases is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Environmental Inspector (CEI) in some regions. Excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring compliance, accurately identifying environmental risks, and effectively reporting and resolving environmental issues.

What are some common challenges faced by environmental inspectors during site visits?

Environmental Inspectors often encounter challenges such as gaining access to remote or restricted sites, navigating complex regulations that vary by jurisdiction, and effectively communicating compliance issues with site managers. They must also balance thorough inspections with time constraints and sometimes deal with adverse weather conditions. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and staying updated on regulatory changes can help manage these challenges and ensure successful inspections.

What is the difference between Environmental Inspector vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental InspectorEnvironmental Technician
CertificationsOften requires environmental inspection certifications, OSHA safety trainingTypically requires environmental science or technician certifications
Work EnvironmentConducts site inspections, field assessments, compliance checksPerforms sampling, data collection, lab work, and technical support
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government agencies, construction, and environmental consulting firmsCommon in laboratories, environmental testing companies, and research facilities

Environmental Inspectors focus on site inspections and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, while Environmental Technicians support testing and data collection. Both roles are vital in environmental projects but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

Do environmental inspector jobs pay well?

Environmental inspector jobs typically offer salaries that are competitive within the public and private sectors, with median wages around the national average for inspectors. Factors such as experience, certifications, and geographic location can influence pay levels, and the role often requires knowledge of environmental regulations and inspection tools.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Environmental Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Environmental Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,011 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTOR II (DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY) - SEIU 73

Cook County Offices

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$34.39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Cook County Offices
Under The President
Administrative Hearings
Auditor
Bureau of Administration
Bureau of Economic Development
Bureau of Finance
Bureau of Human Resources
Bureau of Technology
Facilities
Office of the President
Job Summary
Conducts preliminary environmental field inspections of industrial and commercial enterprises to ensure enforcement and compliance to the Environment and Sustainability Ordinance of Cook County. Monitors the environment (i.e. air, water, noise, and solid waste) in regard to ordinance violation. Observes, measures, and evaluates performance of stationary (fixed) and mobile (non-fixed) sources of pollutants to determine emission contaminants to the environment. Disseminates environmental information service to the general public relevant to the activities of the Department of Environment and Sustainability. Cites pollution violators and provides environmental information service to the general public. Completes training and obtains certification and licensing required to fulfill the required duties of the position. Location: Work in the Field.
Minimum Qualifications
โ€ข Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree AND
โ€ข Two (2) years of experience in environmental protection and consulting.
-OR-
โ€ข Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree AND
โ€ข Four (4) years of experience in environmental protection and consulting
-OR-
โ€ข Possession of a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate AND
โ€ข Six (6) years of experience in environmental protection and consulting.
โ€ข Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance IS REQUIRED.
This position is considered a safety-sensitive position. Candidates who are selected to fill safety-sensitive positions must pass a required drug test as part of the pre-employment background check process.
https://www.cookcountyil.gov/sites/default/files/service/drug-and-alcohol-policy.pdf
Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver's license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit required documents.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
*Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
โ€ข Ability to research, interpret, and explain environmental regulations, including those of Cook County, Illinois, and U.S. federal rules (including OSHA safety standards).
โ€ข Knowledge of air pollution emissions, industrial processes (combustion), construction principles, and operation of pollution control devices.
โ€ข Knowledge of portable monitoring devices and measurement tools used in environmental pollution control, and willingness/ability to wear required personal protective equipment (including respirators).
โ€ข Skills in strong written and verbal communication skills.
โ€ข Ability to conduct thorough field investigations and produce detailed, accurate written reports on environmental inspections.
โ€ข Skill in attention to detail and strong observational skills to identify potential environmental hazards or violations.
โ€ข Ability to work independently in diverse environments (industrial, construction, outdoor) and willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and evolving regulations.
โ€ข This position requires moderate to extensive travel to work assignments throughout Cook County, for which the employee must provide his or her own adequate means of transportation.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
  • MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION.
  • IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A VETERAN ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION "Are you a military veteran?"
  • ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact veterans.affairs@cookcountyil.gov
VETERAN MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
Group and Voluntary Benefits Offered
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Basic Term Life Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • Deferred Compensation Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
  • Voluntary Benefits
  • You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
  • For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Hourly Wage: $34.395/HOURLY
Physical Requirements
Light Work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job/occupation is rated Light Work when it requires: (1) walking or standing to a significant degree; (2) sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling arm or leg controls; or (3) working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight of the materials is negligible.
*This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.
Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty , 44-56 Political Discrimination ; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification ; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List ; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)
EEO Statement
Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.
NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.
*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Social Media Disclaimer
The County's hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County's hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.
Please contact BHR.WorkforceStrategy@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position