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Environmental Protection Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Intern

Irving, TX

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Passion for environmental protection, sustainability, and responsible land use. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to work independently and collaboratively across ...

Environmental Intern

Irving, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Work Environment: • Combination of office and field work. • Exposure to various weather conditions and industrial environments. • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. • ...

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Showing results 1-20

Environmental Protection information

See Texas salary details

$38.7K

$85.2K

$128.6K

How much do environmental protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection in Texas is $85,177.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,300.00 and $108,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Environmental Protection jobs in Texas look for?

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Environmental Protection jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Environmental Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Protection job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,177 per year, or $41 per hour.

Environmental Protection Specialist II - Industrial Waste

San Antonio Water System

San Antonio, TX

$48K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


San Antonio Water System rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Grade 17 - Starting hourly rate: $23.40 Rate of pay depends on qualifications. Job Description JOB SUMMARY The Environmental Protection Specialist II - Industrial Waste applies general knowledge of various water and wastewater principles, practices, and regulation to conduct a range of environmental protection activities, including information collection, inspection, monitoring, sampling, and public education. S/he conducts inspections, monitors activities, evaluates plans or sites for compliance, and compiles various data and information, generally under one regulatory framework

S/he works under limited supervision/guidance. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Performs field analyses, site inspections, groundwater well inspections, and surveys to determine the extent of compliance/non-compliance with applicable local, state, and federal water quality regulations and permits. Negotiates compliance schedules and activities with the regulated community and follows up on progress.

Completes inspection and investigation reports, which evaluates findings and includes recommendations; assembles data (computerized and manual) for tracking and documentation purposes. Reviews and evaluates permit applications, pollution control plans, and proposed compliance strategies generally under one regulatory framework. Assesses the need for corrective/preventive action.

Initiates early stages of corrective action as appropriate, and consults with Supervisor to initiate latter, more advanced stages. Repairs and calibrates monitoring and sampling equipment or geologic logging equipment. Provides input on the development of environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate regulatory requirements.

Assists with implementation of these standards, once adopted. Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Associate's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Geographical Information Systems, or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.

Two years' experience in natural resource management, urban or environmental planning, regulatory compliance, geographical information systems (GIS) applications or experience inspecting, investigating, or monitoring storm water, pretreatment of wastewater or related environmental activities to comply with mandated regulations. TCEQ Class "D" Water License within 6 months and a Class "C" Water Distribution License within 24 months of hire. Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. Perform position specific physical testing. Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. TCEQ Class "II" Wastewater Collection Operator License. JOB DIMENSIONS Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing.

Frequent contact with internal and external customers, consultants, vendors, and government agencies. Conducts regular, in-person and telephone contact with the public and regulated community representatives to explain environmental rules and laws, answers general technical inquiries, responds to complaints, performs inspections or investigations, and gains cooperation in achieving compliance. Participates in public and industry education by developing technical material, or communicating scientific and technical information through oral briefings, written documents, or written testimony.

Responds to oil, sewage, and chemical spills and emergency situations requiring containment of the spilled substance to support assessment and action. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 60 pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 pounds; pulling a maximum force of 100 pounds. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time.

Working conditions are both in an office environment and a field environment where there is a heavy traffic, construction, rugged terrain, and inclement and hazardous environmental conditions. If a part of the "emergency response team" must be able to complete and maintain the requirements as specified in applicable regulations for Hazardous Materials Emergency Response, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated protective equipment. Also operates a company vehicle on a daily basis.


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