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Environmental Protection Agency Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Sr Environmental Engineer you will ensure the Refinery complies with the Environmental Protection Agency's rules and regulations. At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy ...

As a Sr Environmental Engineer you will ensure the Refinery complies with the Environmental Protection Agency's rules and regulations. At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy ...

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Environmental Protection Agency information

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$41.5K

$91.4K

$138K

How much do environmental protection agency jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection agency in the United States is $91,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and what does it do?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a United States federal agency tasked with protecting human health and the environment. Established in 1970, the EPA develops and enforces regulations based on laws passed by Congress, conducts environmental research, and provides education and guidance on environmental issues. The agency addresses a range of concerns, including air and water quality, hazardous waste, chemical safety, and pollution prevention. Its work helps ensure a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for current and future generations.

What is the difference between Environmental Protection Agency vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmental Protection AgencyEnvironmental Scientist
Primary RoleFederal agency regulating environmental policies and enforcing lawsIndividual professional conducting research and analysis on environmental issues
CredentialsVaries; often includes degrees in environmental science, law, or public policyBachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, biology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, field inspections, policy developmentResearch labs, field sites, consulting firms
EmployerU.S. governmentPrivate companies, research institutions, government agencies

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency responsible for regulating and enforcing environmental laws, while an Environmental Scientist is a professional conducting research and analysis to support environmental protection efforts. The EPA develops policies and oversees compliance, whereas Environmental Scientists focus on data collection, analysis, and reporting. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

Professionals at the EPA often navigate complex regulatory requirements, balancing scientific integrity with policy and stakeholder interests. They may face challenges such as adapting to evolving environmental legislation, managing large-scale projects with limited resources, and coordinating efforts across multiple departments or government agencies. Additionally, EPA employees frequently engage with the public and industry representatives, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. Addressing urgent environmental concerns while maintaining compliance and transparency is a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an EPA specialist, you need a solid background in environmental science, regulations, and policy—typically supported by a relevant degree and sometimes professional certification. Familiarity with data analysis software, geographic information systems (GIS), and environmental monitoring tools is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills set top performers apart. These competencies are critical to ensuring effective environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and collaboration among governmental, industry, and public partners.
More about Environmental Protection Agency jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Protection Agency jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Protection Agency job openings:
What states have the most Environmental Protection Agency jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Protection Agency jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Protection Agency jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Protection Agency jobs are:
Supervisory Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist

Supervisory Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$165K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is in Region 5, Office of Regional Administrator, Superfund and Emergency Management Division, Operations Management Branch. About Region 5: Region 5.
This is an office-centered positionyou must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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You will:
  • Plan, organize, and direct the activities of the organizational unit to develop goals and objectives that integrate organization and program objectives for promoting effective operation of the organization.
  • Exercise supervisory personnel management responsibilities to oversee work, ensure reasonable equity among units of performance standards, and resolve group grievances and employee complaints for promoting an environment for effective mission accomplishment.
  • Represent the organizational unit and Agency to explain policy and procedures, resolve significant problems, and determine appropriate actions of impact for establishing, developing, and maintaining effective working relationships.

You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
#LI-DNI
You must meet time-in-grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.
This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
If you are selected, you must complete (or have already completed) a 1-year supervisory or managerial probationary period.
Upon acceptance of an initial appointment to a supervisory or managerial position with the EPA, you agree to complete all elements of the EPA Successful Leaders Program. This development program is designed to enhance leadership competencies and meet the agency's goal of providing new leaders with the tools needed for success.
If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
Qualifications
NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.
In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below:
To qualify for the GS-15 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level defined as providing oversight, or technical expertise for environmental protection support programs in one or more of the following areas: contracts management, data and budget management, or FOIA and records management, and provide coaching or mentoring others to protect human health and the environment.
You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:
  • Budget and Cost Management. *
  • Contract Management. *
  • Planning and Evaluating.
  • Leadership.
  • Teamwork.
  • Technical Knowledge (Related to Position). *

*You will be evaluated on these critical competencies.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
*If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.
Education
For Life Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.
For Environmental Engineer: You must have one of the following:
  • Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college

OR
  • Combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

  1. Professional registration as an engineer.
  2. Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
  3. Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
  4. Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.

Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visit GS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications.
For Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit Accreditation.
Additional information
Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP
NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must have a score of 87 or highersee the How You Will Be Evaluated section).
If you are selected, you will serve in either a temporary promotion or a detail.
If this position is at a higher grade than your current grade, the assignment will be a temporary promotion which will be processed for a period not to exceed one year. It may be extended up to four additional years without further competition, for a total of five years.
If you are already at the same grade as this position, your assignment will be a detail which will be processed for a period not to exceed 120 days, and may be extended in 120 day increments. While on the detail, your salary will not change.
You may be returned at any time to the position from which you were temporarily promoted or detailed, or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay.
If you are selected, your position may become permanent.
If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.
This position is not in the bargaining unit.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Benefits will not change for current permanent EPA employees.
If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement. EPA policy only allows telework to be approved situationally. Situational telework is for work or assignments of specific limited duration on an occasional, emergency, or ad hoc basis.
NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position, subject to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.