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Environmental Protection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Environmental Protection information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$90.6K

$136.8K

How much do environmental protection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection in Virginia is $90,641.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,400.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 the most commonly searched types of Environmental Protection jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Environmental Protection jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Environmental Protection jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Environmental Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Protection job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,641 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST

US Department of the Navy

Quantico, VA • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as an Environmental Protection Specialist in the Installation Facillities and Environment Division of MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate most or all of the following duties:1) Providing direct control over environmental projects related to tank, Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC), and spill response management; 2) Developing and administering environmental permits/tank registration to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and laws including the Clean Water Act (CWA) , Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) , and Oil Pollution Prevention regulations: along with the planning and implementation of corrective measures with existing environmental permits, laws, and regulations related to the CWA, SPCC and associated plans, RCRA Contingency Plan requirements and Oil Pollution Prevention regulations; 3) Implementing environmental engineering policies and programs that ensure an organization or tenant commands maintain compliance with the CWA, SPCC and associated plans, RCRA Contingency Plan requirements and Oil Pollution Prevention regulations, as required by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies concerned with public safety, welfare, and protection; 4) Serving as the primary environmental expert and point of contact for outside agencies on matters of pollution prevention control, SPCC and associated plans, RCRA Contingency Plan requirements and Oil Pollution Prevention regulations and other areas that require specialized environmental expertise; 5) Reviewing technical literature and regulatory publications to keep abreast of current technology, research findings, and government regulations to ensure the organization's tank and spill response program and its management are in compliance; and 6) Participating in the review of construction or renovation plans, specifications, and estimates to ensure compliance with water, tank and SPCC and associated plans, RCRA Contingency Plan requirements and Oil Pollution Prevention laws, regulations, directives.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.Education:In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience:
  • 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; or
  • combination of education and experience that equates to one year of experience.

A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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