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$27.5K

$53.3K

$85K

How much do environmental legal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental legal in the United States is $53,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental legal professional?

Environmental legal professionals are lawyers or legal experts who specialize in laws and regulations that protect the environment. They work on cases involving issues such as pollution, land use, conservation, and compliance with environmental regulations. Their responsibilities include advising clients, drafting legal documents, representing clients in court, and working with government agencies to ensure environmental laws are followed. These professionals play a critical role in shaping policies and resolving disputes related to environmental protection.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a license to practice law, and a strong understanding of environmental regulations and legal research. Familiarity with legal databases, case management software, and compliance tools is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure effective representation of clients, successful navigation of evolving environmental laws, and impactful advocacy in legal and regulatory matters.

How does an environmental legal professional typically collaborate with scientists and regulatory agencies during a project?

Environmental Legal professionals frequently work alongside scientists, engineers, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. They interpret complex scientific data, participate in environmental impact assessments, and translate findings into legal strategies or documentation. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as legal professionals must bridge the gap between technical experts and regulatory bodies, facilitating permitting processes and negotiating settlements when necessary. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for achieving both legal compliance and sustainable environmental outcomes.

What is the difference between Environmental Legal vs Environmental Compliance Specialist?

AspectEnvironmental LegalEnvironmental Compliance Specialist
Required CredentialsJD or equivalent, bar admission, legal certificationsBachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental policy, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesIndustrial sites, consulting firms, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal advice, litigation, policy interpretationMonitoring, implementing, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws

Environmental Legal professionals focus on legal aspects, advising clients on environmental laws and representing them in legal matters. Environmental Compliance Specialists work on ensuring organizations adhere to environmental regulations through monitoring and reporting. While both roles require knowledge of environmental laws, their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

Do environmental legal professionals get paid well?

Environmental legal professionals typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and employer type. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced attorneys working in environmental law can earn high salaries, especially with specialized knowledge and certifications. Overall, the profession offers the potential for strong compensation compared to many other legal fields.

Is environmental law in high demand?

Environmental legal professionals are in increasing demand due to growing environmental concerns, regulatory changes, and the need for compliance expertise. Job opportunities are expected to expand as governments and organizations prioritize sustainability and environmental protection efforts.

What can you do as an environmental legal professional?

An environmental legal professional advises clients on laws and regulations related to environmental protection, such as pollution control, land use, and conservation. They may draft legal documents, represent clients in court or negotiations, and stay updated on environmental legislation and policies.
More about Environmental Legal jobs

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Cities with the most Environmental Legal job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Legal jobs?

The most popular types of Environmental Legal jobs are:

What states have the most Environmental Legal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Environmental Legal jobs include:

What are popular job titles for Environmental Legal?

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Environmental Legal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Legal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,278 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Environmental Permitting & Compliance Specialist

Jersey City, NJ • On-site

Sims Limited
See more jobs at Sims Limitedexternal

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Founded in Australia in 1917, Sims Limited (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling and circular solutions for technology. We play a critical role in advancing circularity and decarbonisation by supplying recycled materials and re-purposed products that help preserve our planet.
At Sims, we believe in developing our people. With a strong promote-from-within philosophy and a range of programmes that support continuous learning, we offer opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers. Employing more than 4,100 people worldwide, we operate over 155 facilities across 13 countries. As an ASX-listed company, Sims provides the stability, transparency, and professional growth opportunities of a publicly traded organisation, all driven by our purpose: to create a world without waste.
Location
North America Metals (Metro Region) including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and the New England states.
Purpose of the Role
Provide environmental leadership, guidance, and support to assigned facilities within the Metro Region to ensure compliance with corporate environmental standards, regulatory requirements, and environmental permits.
Support facilities by implementing environmental controls, conducting assessments and testing, and driving environmental compliance and stewardship initiatives.
Reporting To
Environmental Permitting & Compliance Partner
Primary Focus
  1. Advance a culture of environmental stewardship by providing leadership, training, guidance, and hands-on support to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and company standards.
  2. Facilitate the development and implementation of environmental practices that address site-specific and regional requirements while supporting the company's commitment to responsible and sustainable operations.

Principal Accountabilities
Environmental Compliance & Permitting
  • Support the Permitting & Compliance (P&C) team across assigned portions of the Metro Region, working closely with national P&C management, regional leadership, and environmental legal counsel.
  • Lead environmental permitting activities, including permit applications, renewals, and modifications (excluding air quality permitting where applicable).
  • Manage environmental compliance programs, including regulatory inspections, Notices of Violation (NOVs), corrective actions, and fire risk mitigation efforts.
  • Support proactive regional environmental and regulatory initiatives in collaboration with facility and regional management.
  • Review, develop, update, and implement site-level Environmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Support implementation of national environmental SOPs and company environmental programs.

Program Management
  • Support and oversee environmental programs related to:
    • Stormwater
    • Air emissions and fugitive emissions
    • Hazardous materials
    • Hazardous and non-hazardous waste
    • Wastewater
    • Petroleum Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs)
    • Inbound source control
  • Support environmental remediation projects under the direction of environmental legal counsel.
  • Maintain and support the Environmental Management System (EMS), including standards, permit requirements, training, communication, and compliance tools.
  • Drive implementation and monitoring of environmental strategic plans aligned with state, corporate, and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist in developing, tracking, and improving environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Regulatory Compliance & Auditing
  • Promote compliance with corporate environmental standards, legal requirements, permits, and regulatory obligations.
  • Provide guidance and support to regional EHS teams in tracking, managing, and reporting environmental compliance activities.
  • Support environmental assessments and audits while coordinating with environmental legal counsel, corporate environmental leadership, and audit personnel.
  • Monitor changes in environmental regulations and industry standards and support implementation across business units.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for environmental regulatory inquiries and corrective actions.

Facility & Operational Support
  • Collaborate with operations and EHS teams as a subject matter expert on environmental compliance and best practices.
  • Support waste management activities, including waste characterization, profiling, storage, handling, shipment, and reporting.
  • Oversee data entry and documentation of regulatory inspections within company EHS systems.
  • Review regional and site operations to ensure compliance with permits, regulations, and SOP requirements.
  • Address environmental concerns related to facility operations.
  • Ensure all facilities maintain day-to-day environmental compliance and conduct regular site visits throughout the region.

Stakeholder Engagement
  • Work with regional management and community relations teams to address environmental concerns and support community engagement initiatives.
  • Maintain active involvement with industry, trade, and environmental organizations to stay informed of emerging regulations, technologies, and best practices.
  • Collaborate with governmental agencies and regulators regarding state-specific environmental requirements and initiatives.

Reporting & Planning
  • Lead the development, review, and revision of required environmental plans, including:
    • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs)
    • Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans
    • Hazardous Materials Business Plans
    • Other required environmental management plans
  • Assist with environmental data collection, reporting, testing, and monitoring activities.
  • Maintain current knowledge and training regarding applicable environmental regulations and requirements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Actively participate in Environmental Leading Indicator Programs, including:
  • Achievement of predetermined project milestones each fiscal year
  • Completion of environmental inspections and assessments
  • Environmental training delivery and completion for key personnel
  • Maintaining assigned facility Levels of Care
  • Support and advancement of the Environmental Management System (EMS)

Experience Required
  • Minimum 3 years of environmental compliance or environmental management experience.
  • Experience supporting industrial facilities and environmental compliance programs.
  • Experience implementing environmental regulations and standards.
  • Experience working with environmental regulatory agencies in the Northeastern United States.
  • Experience managing programs involving:
    • Stormwater
    • Hazardous materials
    • Hazardous and non-hazardous waste
    • Wastewater
    • Aboveground petroleum storage tanks
  • Experience with state regulations impacting recycling operations preferred.
  • Experience in metal recycling or a related industrial sector preferred.
  • ISO 14001 Environmental Management System experience preferred.
  • Experience with environmental reporting systems and compliance tracking tools.

Education, Skills & Competencies
Education
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Sciences, or a related discipline, including:
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Health
  • Ecology
  • Geology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

Skills & Competencies
  • Professional certifications in environmental management, compliance, or related fields are preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with regulators, operations personnel, and leadership.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience using state environmental agency reporting and compliance systems.
  • Strong regulatory interpretation, problem-solving, and project management skills.
  • Ability to travel regularly throughout the Metro Region to support assigned facilities.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world's safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.
At sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.
ALREADY AN EMPLOYEE?
Please apply through our Internal Career Site: Click here
Why Choose A Career with Sims?
Sims is a hub of innovation, offering employees the chance to explore new ideas and technologies while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
With a diverse workforce, Sims fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion where employees can thrive and establish lasting connections. Working at Sims offers the chance to engage with a global network, providing opportunities for travel, cross-cultural experiences, and the ability to contribute to a sustainable future. Sims is renowned as one of the world's leading sustainable companies, empowering employees to make a difference in creating a world without waste to preserve the planet.
Sims prioritizes employee wellbeing, offering superior benefits packages, meaningful training opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard at all levels of the organization. Sims maintains a strong focus on safety, where individuals are encouraged to challenge themselves, contribute, and support one another, in a collaborative team environment.

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