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Environmental Protection Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$91.4K

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How much do environmental protection specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection specialist 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 an environmental protection specialist?

An environmental protection specialist monitors the quality of our air, water, and soil through testing and data reports. Your job as an environmental protection specialist is to prevent or reduce the pollution of our planet by finding out where pollution is currently or is at risk of taking place due to human activity and enabling businesses and landowners to avoid pollutants in the future. Your duties include working individually or as a team to test the water and air quality against set industry or government standards to ensure compliance from landowners and businesses. After tests are complete, you run reports on your findings and implement a plan to reduce pollution.

What are some typical challenges environmental protection specialists face when balancing regulatory compliance with organizational objectives?

Environmental Protection Specialists often navigate the challenge of ensuring that their organization complies with environmental regulations while also meeting operational goals and deadlines. This requires strong communication and negotiation skills to collaborate with internal teams, regulators, and sometimes the public. They must stay updated on evolving laws and best practices, often implementing creative solutions to minimize environmental impact without hindering productivity. Successfully managing these demands is key to advancing in the field and building trust as a knowledgeable resource within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental protection specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Protection Specialist, you need a solid background in environmental science, regulations, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental monitoring equipment, and regulatory compliance systems is often required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail help professionals excel in identifying issues and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure effective protection of natural resources, regulatory compliance, and successful implementation of environmental programs.

What is the difference between Environmental Protection Specialist vs Environmental Compliance Inspector?

AspectEnvironmental Protection SpecialistEnvironmental Compliance Inspector
Required credentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field; certifications like EPA or state-specific licensesBachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field; certifications such as EPA inspector certifications
Work environmentFieldwork, site assessments, policy development, and project managementInspecting facilities, reviewing compliance reports, enforcing environmental regulations
Employer and industry usageGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, industry corporationsRegulatory agencies, environmental consulting firms, industrial facilities

Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, often working in regulatory or consulting environments. The Environmental Protection Specialist focuses on developing policies and managing projects, while the Environmental Compliance Inspector primarily conducts inspections and enforces regulations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right position based on their skills and career goals.

What degree do you need to be an environmental protection specialist?

Environmental protection specialists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specialized certifications, and strong knowledge of environmental laws and data analysis tools is beneficial.

What cities are hiring for Environmental Protection Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Environmental Protection Specialist job openings:

What states have the most Environmental Protection Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Environmental Protection Specialist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Protection Specialist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Protection Specialist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Environmental Protection Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,426 per year, or $44 per hour.

Environmental Protection Specialist

Defense Logistics Agency

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Defense Logistics Agency rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Telework Eligible

Yes

Major Duties

  • If selected at the GS-09 level, duties will be performed in a developmental capacity.
  • Performs direct compliance responsibilities for physically stored hazardous materials at the DLA Disposition Services site to include a 90-day hazardous storage facility and/or a Conforming Storage Facility for all hazardous materials generated.
  • Coordinates a Conforming Storage Facility for all Hazardous materials generated throughout a state area or equivalent.
  • Determines when permits are required, prepares or coordinates the preparation of the applications and resolves any problems to ensure that permits are obtained at the right time.
  • Performs tasks related to all technical aspects of the environmental disposal program at full-service sites including Hubs, retrogrades, special contracts or unusual waste streams.
  • Conducts pre-receipt inspections of hazardous materials and waste generation.
  • Provides technical guidance to field office materials handling personnel performing actual receiving/warehousing functions.
  • Establishes and furnishes guidance to sales and reutilization personnel pertaining to the RTD/Sales of hazardous materials and waste.
  • Furnishes guidance to DLA Disposition Services personnel pertaining to all applicable environmental regulations and policies. Implements and administers an Environmental Management System (EMS) for designated site(s).

Qualification Summary

To qualify for an Environmental Protection Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support: A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. To qualify at the GS-09 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes: GS-09: -Utilizing and interpreting the practices and procedures for receipt, storage, sale and reutilization and ultimate disposal activities related to environmentally sensitive material and waste for a variety of Department of Defense (DoD) Activities. -Understanding and following the principles of the Environmental Program by providing guidance and assistance to generator personnel, DLA Disposition Services personnel, and customer/contracted personnel in support of the mission requirements. -Appling various local, state and federal rules, regulations and laws related to the receipt, storage, handling, transportation, sale and other disposal requirements of hazardous and toxic materials and waste. GS-11: -Performing tasks related to the oversight of disposal contracts. -Performing inspections of materials, containers and storage facilities to determine their nature and condition. B. Education Substitution: Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Education must be from a college or university accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx. If using education to meet basic qualifications, YOU MUST SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT as supplemental documentation. To qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you must possess: - GS-09: a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. - GS-11: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. C. Combination: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for grade levels GS-11 and GS-09, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-11 and GS-09. 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.


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