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Environmental Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Environmental Director oversees Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant funding requirements to include developing budgets, work plans, and grant proposals. The Environmental Director will ...

Environmental Scientist

Newberry Springs, CA · On-site

$76K - $100K/yr

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Coordinates assigned work plans to ensure timely responses to the needs of the City, community, department, and unit, while ensuring compliance with local ...

Department of Transportation (DOT)/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and VES-TS policies and procedures. * Operate and maintain all equipment in a professional manner to ensure ...

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Environmental Protection information

See California salary details

$41K

$90.2K

$136.2K

How much do environmental protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection in California is $90,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In environmental protection, roles such as traditional landfill operators and manual pollution inspectors may decline due to automation and advanced monitoring technologies. Jobs involving routine data collection or manual environmental assessments are likely to be replaced by AI, drones, and sensor networks, shifting the focus toward data analysis and system management skills.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Environmental Protection roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Environmental Protection often encounter challenges such as balancing regulatory compliance with organizational goals, staying updated on evolving environmental laws, and effectively communicating complex scientific information to non-experts. To address these challenges, it’s important to engage in ongoing professional development, collaborate closely with legal and technical teams, and develop strong communication skills. Building networks within the industry and participating in relevant workshops can also help professionals stay informed and adaptable in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Environmental Protection vs Environmental Compliance?

AspectEnvironmental ProtectionEnvironmental Compliance
Primary FocusPreventing environmental harm through proactive measuresEnsuring adherence to environmental laws and regulations
CertificationsEnvironmental certifications, safety trainingEnvironmental compliance certifications, regulatory training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, site inspections, environmental projectsOffice-based, regulatory documentation, audits
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental organizations, industries with environmental impactCorporations, consulting firms, regulatory agencies

Environmental Protection focuses on proactive measures to prevent environmental damage, while Environmental Compliance emphasizes adhering to laws and regulations. Both roles often overlap but serve different strategic purposes within environmental management.

What is environmental protection?

Environmental protection refers to the practices and policies aimed at preserving the natural environment from degradation caused by human activities. This includes regulating pollution, conserving natural resources, restoring damaged ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable development. Professionals working in environmental protection may be involved in monitoring environmental quality, enforcing laws, and promoting public awareness about sustainability. Their goal is to balance human needs with the health of the planet, ensuring clean air, water, and land for present and future generations.

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

To thrive in Environmental Protection, you need a solid background in environmental science, regulatory compliance, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with environmental monitoring tools, GIS software, and reporting systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail help professionals effectively assess risks and engage stakeholders. These skills are essential for ensuring environmental regulations are met and for developing solutions that protect natural resources and public health.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the field of environmental protection, high-paying roles such as environmental consultants, project managers, or senior specialists can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and project management skills. These positions often require advanced degrees, industry expertise, and the ability to handle large-scale projects or consulting contracts.

What is the highest paid environmental job?

The highest paid environmental jobs are often senior roles such as Environmental Directors, Sustainability Managers, or Environmental Engineers with advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions typically require strong technical skills, certifications, and leadership abilities, and they can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the industry and location.

What are some careers in environment protection?

Careers in environmental protection include roles such as environmental scientist, conservation officer, environmental engineer, and sustainability specialist. These jobs often require knowledge of environmental laws, data analysis skills, and proficiency with tools like GIS software; certifications such as LEED or environmental degrees can enhance job prospects.
What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Protection jobs? Cities in California with the most Environmental Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Protection job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,228 per year, or $43.4 per hour.
Environmental Protection Specialist III

Environmental Protection Specialist III

Waste Management

San Jose, CA • On-site

$108K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 614 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 72 rated recycling and waste


Job description


I. Job Summary
Utilizes highly advanced expert knowledge to ensure efficient operations and to prevent and control on and off-site noise, odor and other nuisances. Serves as district Environmental Protection(EP)  contact to assist field operations personnel and management with technical guidance on EP topics and regulatory environments. Monitors and investigates compliance status providing training and to site and district management and operations personnel. Generally, this position is responsible for districts within an Area.

Travel: Approximately 60% travel is required to oversee 2 landfills,  4 operations sites.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 

  • Prepares, reviews and submits required environmental reports for internal and external audiences as required. Maintain EP data tracking system databases (Cycle, Dakota Tracer) and provides company related reporting.
  • Communicates and implements the Corporate EP program policies and strategies within assigned districts. Serves as districts EP contact regarding incident notifications, environmental issues and permit applications.
  • Monitors and records site operations and engineering efforts to maintain compliance. Investigates and assesses the regulatory findings and analysis and prepares related documents. Identifies local, state and federal regulatory impacts to operations.
  • Plans, organizes and secures related environmental permits and other regulatory approvals. Prepares related documentation.
  • Responsible for developing, coordinating and overseeing district EP testing, investigations, assessments, guidance and reporting.
  • May administer customer waste and special waste disposal approvals.
  • May serve as a team lead and/or provide assistance and direction to less experienced environmental compliance specialists.


III. Qualifications 
A. Required Qualifications  

  • Bachelor's Degree (accredited) or in lieu of degree
  • High School Diploma or GED (accredited)
  • 4 years of relevant work experience.
  • 5 years relevant work experience in environmental protection related experience (in addition to education requirement).
  • Requires knowledge of regulatory environment as it applies to environmental protection and compliance.


B. Preferred Qualifications 

  • 5-10 years in a relevant role; additional experience is strongly preferred.
  • Environmental Compliance: Experience with Solid Waste, Leachate, Storm Water programs, QISP certification, and Air Compliance (including Title V permit).
  • Proven ability to establish and sustain productive relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory officials, along with strong internal stakeholder collaboration.

IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Repetitive Motions
  • Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination
  • Sitting
  • Talking
  • Hearing

Office: This job primarily operates in a professional office environment and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, etc.

PAY: The expected base pay range for this office/on-site position is $108,750 - $118,000. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.
V. Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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