1

Environmental Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Protect California's Natural Resources While Shaping the Future of Infrastructure At QK, we're looking for an experienced environmental professional who is passionate about balancing responsible ...

As a Plant Manager, you must be professional and possess the ability to function equally well in both a team environment and independently. You must also be highly detail oriented and focused with a ...

Senior Environmental Consultant

Boston, MA · On-site

$151K - $227K/yr

Professional licensure such as: * Professional Engineer, Professional Geologist, Licensed Site Professional (LSP) - Massachusetts, Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP) - Connecticut * Existing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Environmental Professional information

See salary details

$37K

$67.1K

$97.5K

How much do environmental professional jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental professional 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 Environmental Professionals?

Environmental Professionals are specialists who assess, manage, and advise on environmental issues such as pollution, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. They often work in consulting, government, or industry roles to ensure that organizations operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Their work may include conducting environmental impact assessments, monitoring air and water quality, and developing strategies to reduce environmental harm. Environmental Professionals play a crucial role in protecting natural resources and public health by ensuring compliance with environmental laws and promoting sustainable practices.

What is the difference between Environmental Professional vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmental ProfessionalEnvironmental Scientist
CredentialsOften requires certifications like Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) or state-specific licensesTypically holds a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science or related fields; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentWorks in consulting, regulatory agencies, or industry settings, often involved in compliance and assessmentsConducts research, field studies, and data analysis primarily in labs or outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by consulting firms, government agencies, or corporations for compliance and environmental managementEmployed mainly by research institutions, universities, or government research agencies

Environmental Professionals focus on regulatory compliance, environmental assessments, and management, often holding certifications and working in consulting or industry. Environmental Scientists primarily conduct research, field studies, and data analysis to understand environmental issues. While both roles overlap in environmental knowledge, their work environments and credentials differ, making each essential in different aspects of environmental work.

What do environmental professionals do?

Environmental professionals assess and manage environmental issues such as pollution, waste, and natural resource conservation. They conduct fieldwork, analyze data, develop reports, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, often using tools like GIS and requiring relevant certifications. Their work supports sustainable practices and environmental protection efforts.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Professional, you need a background in environmental science, engineering, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications such as EIT, LEED, or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP). Familiarity with environmental monitoring tools, GIS software, regulatory compliance systems, and data analysis platforms is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals assess risks, collaborate with stakeholders, and advocate for sustainable solutions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance, minimizing environmental impacts, and driving positive change in environmental management.

What are the top 12 careers for environmental majors?

Environmental professionals can pursue careers such as environmental scientist, environmental engineer, conservation scientist, environmental consultant, sustainability manager, environmental analyst, water resource specialist, renewable energy analyst, environmental policy analyst, climate change analyst, environmental educator, and waste management specialist. These roles often require knowledge of environmental regulations, data analysis, and fieldwork, with many positions requiring relevant certifications or advanced degrees.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying roles for environmental professionals, such as senior environmental managers or consultants in specialized industries, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve strategic decision-making, project management, and regulatory compliance, typically in large corporations or government agencies.

What is the highest paid environmental job?

The highest paid environmental jobs are often senior roles such as Environmental Directors, Sustainability Managers, or Environmental Consultants with extensive experience and advanced certifications. These positions typically require strong leadership skills, specialized knowledge, and may involve overseeing large projects or compliance for corporations, government agencies, or consulting firms, with salaries reaching six figures or more.

What are some common challenges Environmental Professionals face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Environmental Professionals often collaborate with engineers, regulatory experts, and project managers, which can present challenges in aligning environmental goals with project timelines, budgets, and technical requirements. Navigating differing priorities and communicating complex environmental data to non-specialists requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Successfully balancing regulatory compliance with practical solutions is key, and professionals in this role frequently act as liaisons to ensure environmental considerations are integrated into all project stages.

What Is an Environmental Professional?

An environmental professional is someone who conducts or certifies a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. As an environmental professional, your responsibilities include evaluating the environmental liability of a site and investigating the history of the property. Other duties include inspecting the condition of a site, ensuring it meets EPA standards, and performing an assessment of any potential risks a site poses, for example, risks of contamination from chemicals. In this role, you must disclose if a property has any recognized environmental conditions. This process includes a site inspection and a review of existing records.

What cities are hiring for Environmental Professional jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Professional job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental jobs? The most popular types of Environmental jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Environmental Professional jobs? The top employers for Environmental Professional jobs are:
What states have the most Environmental Professional jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Professional jobs include:
Infographic showing various Environmental Professional job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.
Senior Associate Environmental Scientist

Senior Associate Environmental Scientist

QK

Clovis, CA • On-site

$41 - $47/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Protect California's Natural Resources While Shaping the Future of Infrastructure

At QK, we're looking for an experienced environmental professional who is passionate about balancing responsible development with environmental stewardship. As a Senior Associate Environmental Scientist, you'll play a key role in helping public and private clients navigate complex environmental regulations while protecting California's diverse natural resources.

If you're experienced in NEPA and CEQA compliance, enjoy both fieldwork and technical report writing, and are ready to take on project management responsibilities while mentoring junior staff, we'd love to meet you.

Why Join QK?

At QK, we're more than an engineering and environmental consulting firm. We're an employee-owned company built on collaboration, innovation, and the belief that great projects begin with great people.

Our environmental team partners closely with planners, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects to deliver meaningful projects throughout California. Here, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, expand your technical expertise, and help shape communities while preserving the environment.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Associate Environmental Scientist, you will:

  • Lead and support biological and environmental studies for a variety of public and private projects.
  • Prepare technical reports including:
    • Biological Resource Reports
    • Wetland Delineation Reports
    • Constraints Analyses
    • Wetland Permit Applications
    • NEPA and CEQA documentation
  • Conduct field surveys for threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and wildlife species.
  • Perform ecological research, habitat assessments, natural resource monitoring, and restoration activities.
  • Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies including USFWS and other regulatory organizations.
  • Assist with permitting efforts involving the ESA, CWA, Section 404, NEPA, CEQA, and related environmental regulations.
  • Manage project tasks, schedules, budgets, and client communications.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of planners, engineers, and environmental professionals.
  • Prepare presentations and represent projects during meetings, workshops, and public hearings.
  • Mentor junior environmental scientists and contribute to the continued growth of the environmental team.
What Makes You a Great Fit

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with excellent communication and leadership skills.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
  • Must be eligible for approval by CDFW and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services as a Designated/Qualified Biologist for Central Valley species
  • 5-10 years of professional environmental consulting experience, or a Master's degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Strong experience with:
    • NEPA and CEQA compliance
    • Endangered Species Act (ESA)
    • Clean Water Act (CWA)
    • Wetland delineations and permitting
    • Environmental regulatory documentation
  • Experience conducting biological field surveys and habitat assessments.
  • Excellent technical writing and analytical skills.
  • Strong organizational and project coordination abilities.
  • Ability to travel to project sites throughout California as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Minimum 3+ years' experience with several of the following:
    • California tiger salamander
    • San Joaquin kit fox
    • blunt-nosed leopard lizard
    • San Joaquin antelope squirrel
    • Swainson's hawk
    • burrowing owl
  • Level II blunt-nosed leopard lizard survey credentials
  • Business development, proposal writing, and/or client management experience
  • Demonstrated success mentoring and developing technical staff
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Wildlife Biologist, Professional Wetland Scientist, or similar credentials
Why You'll Love This Role
  • Work on projects that make a lasting impact on California's communities and natural resources.
  • Collaborate with an experienced multidisciplinary team.
  • Take on increasing project management responsibilities.
  • Mentor the next generation of environmental professionals.
  • Enjoy the benefits of working for an employee-owned company where your contributions directly support our collective success.
Join Our Employee-Owned Team

If you're ready to combine your environmental expertise with meaningful project work and opportunities for professional growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Become part of One Connected Team and help make the built environment possible while protecting the natural world that surrounds it.


QK logo

About QK

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Visalia, CA, US

Year founded

1972