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Environmental Justice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Environmental Justice information

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$37K

$67.1K

$97.5K

How much do environmental justice jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental justice in the United States is $67,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an Environmental Justice role, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Environmental Justice role, you need a strong background in environmental science, public policy, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in advocacy. Familiarity with data analysis tools, GIS mapping systems, and regulatory frameworks such as the EPA’s environmental justice guidelines is typically required. Outstanding communication, cultural competency, and community engagement skills set exceptional professionals apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for effectively addressing environmental inequalities, building trust with diverse communities, and driving impactful policy change.

What is environmental justice?

Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It aims to ensure that no group of people bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences. Environmental justice professionals work to address and prevent environmental inequalities and advocate for policies that protect vulnerable communities.

What Are Careers in Environmental Justice?

Environmental justice, or EJ, is a movement that started in the United States in the 1980s, based on studies that showed environmental hazards disproportionately impacted poor and minority neighborhoods. For example, factories and landfills were shown to be more likely to be built in a low-income community. Federal legislation requires government agencies to enforce protections for all communities against these environmental hazards and help create and maintain a healthy environment to live and work. Careers in this field include non-profit groups who work to clean up affected areas and provide clean water and green space for residents, attorneys who litigate EJ cases, lobbyists who push for new EJ legislation or enforcement of current law, and teaching positions in post-secondary institutions and other environmental organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Environmental Justice roles?

Professionals in Environmental Justice often encounter challenges such as balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders, including community members, government agencies, and private organizations. They may face difficulties with limited resources or data when advocating for policy changes or environmental remediation. Additionally, building trust and fostering effective communication with marginalized or historically underserved communities is essential and can be complex. Overcoming these challenges requires strong collaboration skills, cultural competency, and adaptability to shifting regulatory and community priorities.
What cities are hiring for Environmental Justice jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Justice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Justice jobs? The most popular types of Environmental Justice jobs are:
What states have the most Environmental Justice jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Justice jobs include:
Infographic showing various Environmental Justice job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 46% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,073 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
Environmental Justice Intern - UNPAID

Environmental Justice Intern - UNPAID

Department of Environmental Protection

Boston, MA • On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxics and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.
Who We Are as an Employer:
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
Job Description:
The goal of MassDEP's Environmental Justice (EJ) program is to ensure that all people that live in neighborhoods defined as EJ Populations have clean air, water and land. MassDEP strives to ensure that EJ Populations are able to live in and enjoy a clean and healthy environment. This goal includes access to and inclusion in the agency's decision-making action and activities.
The intern will design and develop a user-friendly, web-based GIS application that integrates environmental, health, and socio-economic data to highlight community benefits and environmental burdens. This work will support agency decision-making and community engagement efforts, culminating in a final presentation and delivery of a tool for use by MassDEP staff.
Job Duties:
  • Develop a user-friendly, web-based GIS application integrating environmental, health, and socio-economic datasets
  • Compile and incorporate datasets such as air quality, hazardous sites, regulated entities, and renewable energy projects
  • Map and analyze benefits (e.g., parks, open space, green space, tree canopy) and burdens (e.g., heat islands, flooding risk, hazardous sites)
  • Conduct research to identify relevant, high-quality, and accessible datasets for community use
  • Ensure data is organized and presented in a clear, accessible format for non-technical users
  • Support Environmental Justice (EJ) initiatives by highlighting conditions impacting EJ populations
  • Collaborate with staff to align the tool with community engagement and decision-making needs
  • Test and refine the GIS application for usability and functionality
  • Present the final mapping tool and findings to MassDEP staff
  • Deliver a completed tool for ongoing internal use to support community engagement efforts

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of or interest in Environmental Justice.
  • Experience with ARC GIS or other software.
  • Experience with data collection and preparation.
  • Develop/create a map that is intuitive for non-technical users, easy to use and produces accurate information.
  • Knowledge and/or experience with identifying and gathering relevant data.
  • The ability to create data layers and incorporate best practices with color contrast, and plain language.

This internship is unpaid and designed to support students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in the field. Interns may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.
Position Information:
  • Contracted Student Intern: Environmental Justice Intern
  • Start/End Date: 6/14/2026 - 10/16/2026
  • Weekly Hours: 22.5 hours
  • Number of Openings: 1 position

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached as relevant to the requisition.
Qualifications:
Qualifications - External
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Requirements: NONE
Please see the Preferred Qualifications above.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.