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Environmental Reclamation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Establish links with other environmental and engineering business units to support and enhance service delivery * Create detailed reclamation plans and specialized technical reports for mine closure ...

Mgr Engineering & Environmental

Adger, AL · On-site

$89K - $119K/yr

Reviews mining and reclamation operations and make recommendations to Mine Management and/or ... Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering with Environmental background. Advanced Degree in ...

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Environmental Reclamation information

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$12

$22

$34

How much do environmental reclamation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental reclamation in the United States is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Environmental reclamation jobs such as manual land cleanup and traditional hazardous waste removal may decline as automation, drones, and advanced environmental monitoring tools become more prevalent. Roles requiring repetitive physical tasks are likely to be replaced by technology, while specialized skills in environmental data analysis and sustainable practices will grow in importance.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In environmental reclamation, high-paying roles such as senior project managers, environmental consultants, or specialized contractors can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and in large-scale projects. These positions often require advanced skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes on-site work in challenging environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Reclamation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Reclamation Specialist, you need a background in environmental science or engineering, knowledge of soil and water remediation, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, environmental monitoring equipment, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure successful site restoration, regulatory adherence, and effective collaboration with stakeholders to protect and rehabilitate natural environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in environmental reclamation projects?

Professionals in environmental reclamation often encounter challenges such as managing complex site contamination, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations. Projects can involve unpredictable field conditions, which require adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, communicating technical findings and remediation plans to both technical and non-technical audiences is crucial for project success and regulatory approval.

What is the highest paying environmental job?

Environmental reclamation specialists with advanced degrees and certifications, such as environmental engineers or project managers, tend to earn the highest salaries in the field. Senior roles overseeing large projects or working for government agencies or consulting firms often have the highest compensation, sometimes exceeding six figures annually.

What is the difference between Environmental Reclamation vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental ReclamationEnvironmental Technician
CertificationsEnvironmental certifications, site-specific trainingEnvironmental certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, contaminated land, restoration projectsLaboratories, field sampling sites, environmental monitoring locations
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, mining, oil & gas, government agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research labs

Environmental Reclamation involves restoring land and ecosystems after industrial or construction activities, often requiring physical labor and site management. Environmental Technicians focus on sampling, data collection, and monitoring environmental conditions. While both roles require environmental certifications and work in related industries, reclamation emphasizes land restoration, whereas technicians concentrate on environmental assessment and data analysis.

What is environmental reclamation?

Environmental reclamation is the process of restoring land that has been disturbed, degraded, or contaminated by human activities—such as mining, construction, or industrial operations—back to a natural or usable state. This may involve removing pollutants, recontouring land, replanting vegetation, and restoring habitats to support wildlife. The goal is to mitigate environmental damage, improve ecosystem health, and ensure that the land can be safely used by people and nature in the future.

What jobs pay 10000 a month without a degree?

Environmental reclamation jobs that can pay around $10,000 a month without a degree typically include specialized roles such as environmental project managers, hazardous materials supervisors, or senior field technicians with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require technical skills, industry certifications, and significant on-the-job experience rather than formal degrees.
More about Environmental Reclamation jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Reclamation jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Reclamation job openings:
What states have the most Environmental Reclamation jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Reclamation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Environmental Reclamation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,760 per year, or $22 per hour.
Water Reclamation Operator I

Water Reclamation Operator I

Polk County Board of County Commissioners

Winter Haven, FL • On-site

$52.07/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Description
UTILITIES DIVISION - WATER RECLAMATION OPERATOR I, II, III, IV, V - 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE
$23.49HR - $52.07HR.
NON-EXEMPT
Employee Benefits
  • Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • FRS Retirement
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Education Incentives
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Wellness Incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free Employee Gym
  • Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts,
responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the
environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the
team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal
well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing
excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.
MAJOR FUNCTION
The Water Reclamation Operator performs professional, certified, and skilled work in the operation
and maintenance of water reclamation treatment facilities, and reclaimed water pumping systems.
Their responsibilities include operating and monitoring treatment systems, machinery, controls, and
related equipment to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of wastewater and reclaimed water
services. They make necessary adjustments to chemical dosing, mechanical components, and process
controls in accordance with established procedures and regulatory standards. Operators also carry
out routine mechanical and manual tasks to maintain optimal system performance, support regulatory
compliance through water sampling and laboratory testing, and document operational data accurately.
This role requires technical expertise, sound judgment, and a high level of responsibility to uphold the
quality of treatment and system reliability. This position plays a key role in ensuring the reliability of essential utility services, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public health and safety.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
• Operates and monitors all water reclamation facilities and reclaimed pumping processes and
equipment to ensure proper functionality and regulatory compliance
• Conducts daily operational checks; monitors meters, gauges, SCADA systems, and trends; records
and analyzes data to optimize performance
• Performs visual inspections of treatment facilities and equipment; identifies and addresses
potential failures, leaks, or abnormal conditions.
• Operates and monitors plant equipment, including pumps, mechanical and automatic controls, and
SCADA systems; conducts daily inspections and ensures optimal functionality.
• Maintains and cleans water reclamation maintains general housekeeping across plant facilities
and grounds
• Handles hazardous chemicals safely, including transferring, loading/unloading, and monitors fuel
and chemical inventories, reports spills, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
• Operates pumps, valves, and gates to transfer wastewater or sludge between tanks; ensures proper
sludge processing and coordinates contractor pickup
• Collects wastewater and sludge samples; performs laboratory testing and analysis for process
control and regulatory compliance
• Assists in preparing and submitting reports to Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) and other regulatory agencies; supports data compilation and documentation
• Maintains accurate records of plant activities in written, electronic format; performs general
administrative tasks and file management
• Evaluates operational data to determine compliance with laws, regulations, and standards;
analyzes issues and recommends solutions
• Provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders; conducts plant tours and
promotes positive public relations
• Shares knowledge to ensure quality and consistency in daily operations
• Obtains vendor quotes and prepares documentation to support procurement of supplies and services
• Responds to phone calls, emails, alarms, and emergency situations; performs standby duty and may
work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Performs other related duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
• Knowledge of water reclamation treatment and reclaimed water pumping processes, bacteriology,
chemistry, and applicable regulations
• Skilled in operation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, meters, and related equipment
• Ability to apply mechanical and mathematical principles in daily tasks
• Proficient in reading gauges, charts, and meters; able to distinguish color variations
• Experienced in using industrial and personal computers with varying levels of proficiency
• Capable of interpreting complex policies, procedures, schematics and technical manuals, codes,
and safety protocols
• Familiar with common tools and equipment maintenance practices
• Able to work independently, including weekends and holidays, with minimal supervision
• State, Federal, and local laws and regulatory agencies
• Evaluating systems, providing quality control, and ensuring compliance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license within
30 of employment.
Operator I- Pay Grade 14
• Entry Level position, limited experience in water reclamation
Operator II- Pay Grade 16
• 1 year experience (2,080 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator "C" License
Operator III - Pay Grade 18
• 3 years' experience (6,240 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP) Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator "B" License
Operator IV- Pay Grade 20
• 5 years' experience (10,400 hrs.) and Florida Departmental of Environmental (FDEP)
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator "A" License
Operator V (Dual Certification/License)- Pay Grade 22
• 5 year's experience (10,400 hrs.) Florida Water Treatment Plant "A" license required, Certified
Maintenance and Reliability Technician Certification (CMRT), Associate Certified Electronics
Technician (CETA) or equivalent certification, Municipal Board of Examiners Inc. of Polk County
(Polk MBOE) Journeyman Electrical License, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
(FLHSMV) CDL "B or "A" license, and/or Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water
treatment, Wastewater treatment, Distribution treatment license accepted.
A comparable amount of related training or experience may be substituted for the minimum
qualifications except for the licensing and certifications.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Standby and on call rotation are required for emergency work in this classification.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency,
employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of
their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.