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Environmental Protection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ERG

Environmental Specialist

Wallops Island, VA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations * Experience supporting Hazardous Waste (HAZWASTE) programs and conducting fuel ...

Veolia

Environmental Specialist I

Richmond, VA

Department of Transportation (DOT)/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and VES-TS regulations required in submitting paperwork to expedite disposal of hazardous waste. * Operate and maintain all ...

ERG

Environmental Specialist

Wallops Island, VA

$100K - $115K/yr

Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations * Experience supporting Hazardous Waste (HAZWASTE) programs and conducting fuel ...

Veolia

Environmental Specialist I

Fredericksburg, VA

Department of Transportation (DOT)/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and VES-TS regulations required in submitting paperwork to expedite disposal of hazardous waste. * Operate and maintain all ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsEnvironmental Protection JobsEnvironmental Protection Jobs in Virginia

Environmental Protection information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$90.6K

$136.8K

How much do environmental protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 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, 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 are the top 12 careers for environmental majors?

Environmental majors can pursue careers such as environmental scientist, environmental engineer, conservation scientist, environmental consultant, sustainability specialist, environmental policy analyst, wildlife biologist, renewable energy analyst, environmental educator, water resource specialist, climate change analyst, and environmental health and safety manager. These roles often require knowledge of environmental regulations, data analysis, and fieldwork, with many positions requiring relevant certifications or advanced degrees.

What skills are needed for EPA jobs?

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jobs typically require strong analytical skills, knowledge of environmental laws and regulations, and proficiency in data collection and reporting. Technical skills such as environmental sampling, GIS, and familiarity with environmental software are also valuable, along with relevant certifications like environmental technician or scientist credentials.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Protection jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Environmental Protection jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Protection jobs in Virginia? For Environmental Protection jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Protection jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Environmental Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Protection job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% 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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$75K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as an Environmental Protection Specialist in the located in the Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Office (Code 106), Environmental Division (Code 106.3), Waterfront Operations Branch (Code 106.32) at NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD.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 the following:
  • Experience applying knowledge of environmental protection concepts, regulations and practices applicable to the full range of duties concerned with an environmental protection program having waste management and disposal as its primary focus.
  • Experience demonstrating a high level of skill and knowledge to resolve complex and/or unforeseen problems in administering and management of hazardous waste/material from generation, identification, chemical characterization, quality control, labeling, marking, sampling techniques and storage to final shipment/disposal.
  • Experience applying RCRA, TSCA, DOT and state regulations for waste storage facilities, hazardous material/waste shipments, and in ensuring full conformance to these regulations as applicable.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: 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
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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