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Environmental Protection Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws/regulations (required) * Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills * Excellent ...

Showing results 21-40

Environmental Protection information

See Illinois salary details

$40.2K

$88.6K

$133.7K

How much do environmental protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection in Illinois is $88,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,900.00 and $112,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 are some careers in environmental protection?

Careers in environmental protection include environmental scientist, environmental engineer, conservation scientist, environmental technician, and sustainability manager. These roles often require knowledge of environmental laws, data analysis, and the use of tools like GIS software, with many positions requiring relevant degrees and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Protection jobs in Illinois?

For Environmental Protection jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Environmental Protection jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Environmental Protection jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Environmental Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Protection job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,594 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Environmental Compliance Manager

Clean Harbors

Elgin, IL • On-site

$50K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage day-to-day compliance and regulatory functions related to environmental affairs and health and safety.

  • Conduct reviews of company systems to ensure compliance with federal and state environmental regulations and advise staff on corrective measures.

  • Prepare reports and documents for regulatory agencies and management, and perform audits to ensure effectiveness of compliance programs.


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description


Clean Harbors is looking for a Manager Environmental Compliance Programs. The Environmental Compliance Manager Programs position will manage day to day compliance and regulatory functions.
Why work for Clean Harbors?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Competitive wages
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment
  • Group 401K with company matching component
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
  • Positive and safe work environments

Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a safe manner always.
  • Conducts formal and systematic reviews of company systems to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations for environmental affairs and health and safety.
  • Identifies problems and recommends corrections; priorities and conducts follow-ups on corrections regarding areas of non-compliance or potential non-compliance.
  • Advises field staff regarding procedural and operational measures to be taken to correct or minimize non-compliant activities about environmental regulations.
  • Prepares reports and documents as required by regulatory agencies and corporate and facility management.
  • Maintains and manages the internal regulatory ID validation systems
  • Maintains compliance with our USEPA registration to produce SKS manifests, manages shipment document forms inventory at multiple locations
  • Provides responses to compliance, sales, field personnel and customers concerning federal, state and local environmental regulations.
  • Performs audits of internal and external facilities to ensure effectiveness of compliance programs.
  • Perform other assignments as assigned by management

Qualifications
What does it take to work for Clean Harbors?
  • BS/BA in Environmental Science or Engineering preferred
  • 5+ Years of compliance/company experience
  • Alternate combinations of education and experience may be accepted
  • Knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws/regulations (required)
  • Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Excellent PC Skills / MS Office
  • Must be based at a company location - either corporate office or branch location (SK, BPS, TFI, CYN, EM etc.)

Wondering what to expect in starting your career with Clean Harbors? Click Here to view a Day in the Life Video!
40-years of sustainability in action. At Clean Harbors, our mission is to create a safer, cleaner environment through the treatment, recycling, and disposal of hazardous materials. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology - come be part of the solution with us.
Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.
Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.
Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US