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Environmental Protection Engineer Jobs in California

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Environmental Protection Engineer information

See California salary details

$38K

$90K

$131.3K

How much do environmental protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection engineer in California is $89,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of an engineer in environmental protection?

An environmental protection engineer designs and implements solutions to reduce pollution, manage waste, and protect natural resources. They analyze environmental data, develop regulations, and use tools like GIS and modeling software to ensure compliance and sustainability. Certification and knowledge of environmental laws are often required for this role.

Is there a high demand for environmental engineers?

Environmental protection engineers are in high demand due to increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable practices. Job growth is expected to be faster than average, with opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and industry sectors focused on pollution control, waste management, and renewable energy projects.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Protection Engineer, you need a strong background in environmental engineering principles, regulatory compliance, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental or civil engineering. Familiarity with environmental modeling software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and navigate complex environmental challenges. These competencies ensure that environmental projects are designed and executed efficiently, safely, and in line with regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Environmental Protection Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectEnvironmental Protection EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CertificationsPE license, environmental certificationsPE license, environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentRegulatory agencies, consulting firms, industrial sitesConsulting firms, government agencies, industrial projects
Primary FocusEnsuring compliance with environmental laws, pollution controlDesigning sustainable systems, environmental impact assessments

Environmental Protection Engineers primarily focus on ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and controlling pollution, often working with regulatory agencies or industrial sites. Environmental Engineers have a broader scope, including designing sustainable systems and conducting impact assessments. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industry settings, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level environmental protection engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or managerial roles. Such positions often require advanced degrees, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in areas like environmental compliance, project management, or consulting.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes certifications or advanced degrees. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size.

What types of projects do Environmental Protection Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other professionals?

Environmental Protection Engineers are often involved in projects such as designing pollution control systems, developing waste treatment solutions, and assessing environmental impact for new developments. They regularly collaborate with scientists, regulatory agencies, and construction teams to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to integrate sustainable practices. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as these engineers must translate technical findings into actionable plans and coordinate with multiple stakeholders throughout a project's lifecycle.

What does an Environmental Protection Engineer do?

An Environmental Protection Engineer is responsible for developing solutions to environmental problems by applying principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. Their duties may include designing systems to reduce pollution, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These engineers often collaborate with government agencies, private companies, and communities to ensure environmental sustainability and protect public health.
What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Environmental Protection Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Protection Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,997 per year, or $43.3 per hour.
Fire Protection Engineer (2+years)

Fire Protection Engineer (2+years)

Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Auburn, CA • On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Company Description
At Coffman Engineers, we serve as both prime consultant and sub consultant on projects large and small, including commercial, retail, institutional, government, industrial, and project/construction management. Incorporated in 1979, we have employees in more than 23 locations serving clients across the United States and overseas.
To meet client objectives and to integrate our many disciplines, we can create teams comprised of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and corrosion control, as well as project/construction managers and professionals in a variety of specialty services. This ability has made us a leader in the engineering and construction communities, and has strengthened our reputation as being progressive, innovative, and a great place to work.
Job Description
Our mission is simple: To empower our team to deliver innovative engineering solutions focused on our clients' success. As a Fire Protection Engineer at Coffman Engineers, you'll be part of a collaborative, creative, and high-performing team that believes in making a difference for our clients and our communities. You'll experience a culture where your growth and contributions truly matter.
Coffman Engineers is seeking a highly skilled, self-motivated, Fire Protection Engineer with two or more years of experience. This individual will have an interest in working with professionals on challenging projects providing our clients with automatic suppression system design; fire detection, alarm and mass notification system design; code analysis; egress analysis; fire resistant construction analysis; smoke control analysis; as well as general fire protection and life safety concepts and research.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in engineering from accredited college or university or Fire Protection specific degree (preferred)
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred, an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or ability to take the FE exam within the next six months is also considered.
  • 2+ years of working experience
  • Experience with the current version of AutoCAD and Revit (preferred)
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Required Duties and Skills:
  • Computer skills necessary for daily activities, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, simple graphics, and a working knowledge of computer aided drafting
  • Managing day-to-day contacts with internal and external clients while utilizing experience and technology to meet expectations
  • Performing research and documenting for internal and external distribution
  • Analysis of existing fire protection systems; design new fire protection systems including suppression systems, fire detection, fire alarm and mass notification systems
  • Building and fire code analysis and interpretation
  • Utilization of FDS, Pyrosim, CONTAM programs to execute performance-based design efforts
  • Project management skills for managing internal projects as well as external client needs

Compensation:
  • Approximate Base Salary - $75k-115k based on experience
  • Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate
  • Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance
  • Hybrid Work Schedule (subject to change)
  • 401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Additional Information
Why You Want to Work Here
You could choose to work anywhere, so why work at Coffman Engineers? Because we are different - our culture sets us apart. Simply stated, we are a group of creative, high-performing people who like working together and believe that what we do makes a difference. Employees say that it feels like working with a group of friends in a small office while enjoying the benefits and perks of working for a large firm. Our culture isn't the only thing that makes us different, but it drives everything we do.
Coffman offers comprehensive benefits, including a flexible PTO program and a fun environment with family-friendly policies. We support and encourage individually tailored professional and technical advancement as well as personal growth.
Don't take our word for it. Check out what others are saying:
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Coffman-Engineers-Reviews-E409809.htm
Coffman at a Glance:
  • 47 years in business
  • 850+ employees serving clients throughout the U.S. and overseas from more than 23 locations
  • Multi-discipline engineering services plus corrosion control, commissioning and project/construction management
  • 70+ employees in 9 offices, providing Fire Protection services since 2014
  • #34 Top 80 Engineering Firms, Building Design + Construction, 2022
  • #29 Zweig Group Hot Firm List, Zweig Group, 2021
  • #161 Top 500 Design Firms, Engineering News-Record, 2023

Applying
You must apply online for this position. If you are unable to complete our online application process, or if you need assistance to do so, let us know and we will provide reasonable accommodation.
If you are experiencing problems applying through our system, please try using a different browser or an updated version of your current browser. If that doesn't work, please contact us directly.
This position is direct with Coffman Engineers; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Follow us!
www.coffman.com
Twitter: @CoffmanEngineer
Instagram: @CoffmanEngineers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffman-engineers
Facebook: @CoffmanEngineers
Videos To Watch
https://youtu.be/qVaRi7On2Qw
https://youtu.be/qStJT-Rg6jY