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Environmentalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

True Environmental

Environmental Scientist

New York, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Matrix New World Engineering, a part of True Environmental and its partner firms, have united their strengths to establish the nation's premier environmental and engineering services consulting firm.

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Environmentalist information

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$19.5K

$46.4K

$91K

How much do environmentalist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmentalist in the United States is $46,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an environmentalist do?

An environmentalist is someone who works to protect and improve the natural environment through advocacy, education, research, or hands-on conservation efforts. Their work can involve raising public awareness about environmental issues, developing policies to reduce pollution, conducting scientific research, or participating in restoration projects. Environmentalists may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies, and often focus on issues like climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable resource management.

What does an environmentalist do?

As an Environmentalist, you work on behalf of a non-profit or for-profit business to encourage, support, or facilitate conservation efforts to protect and preserve natural resources. Your job duties focus on promoting awareness and action among business leaders, lawmakers, and the public. If you choose an Environmentalist career path that leads you into a corporate environment, some of your responsibilities might include finding ways to save your company money while committing to eco-friendly practices. When working as a professional Environmentalist you may be able to use your skills to create awareness as an activist and on a larger scale.

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

To thrive as an Environmentalist, you need a solid background in environmental science, data analysis, and sustainability practices, often supported by a relevant degree such as environmental science or biology. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact assessment tools, and relevant certifications like LEED or ISO 14001 is typically expected. Strong communication, problem-solving, and advocacy skills help environmentalists effectively collaborate with stakeholders and promote sustainable solutions. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately assessing environmental issues and driving impactful change.

What are some common challenges faced by environmentalists working in the field?

Environmentalists often encounter challenges such as balancing the interests of various stakeholders, navigating regulatory requirements, and managing limited resources for projects. Fieldwork may require adapting to changing weather conditions and working in remote areas, which can be physically demanding. Collaboration with government agencies, local communities, and private organizations is key, and effective communication skills are essential for advocating for sustainable practices and building consensus.

What is the difference between Environmentalist vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmentalistEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsOften self-taught, volunteer experience, or environmental certificationsBachelor's or higher in environmental science, ecology, or related fields; often requires advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentNon-profit organizations, advocacy groups, community projects, outdoor settingsResearch labs, universities, government agencies, fieldwork in natural settings
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profits, advocacy groups, grassroots organizationsResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting firms

Environmentalists focus on advocacy, raising awareness, and community engagement to promote environmental protection. Environmental Scientists conduct research, analyze data, and develop scientific solutions to environmental issues. While both work towards environmental conservation, their roles differ in approach and professional background.

Do environmentalists get paid well?

Environmentalists' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and location, but generally range from entry-level positions earning around $40,000 to more experienced roles earning over $80,000 annually. Professionals with advanced degrees or specialized skills in areas like environmental policy or renewable energy tend to earn higher salaries.

What are some careers as an environmentalist?

Careers for environmentalists include roles such as environmental scientist, conservation scientist, environmental engineer, and sustainability manager. These positions often require knowledge of environmental policies, data analysis, and fieldwork, and may involve working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies to address environmental issues.
More about Environmentalist jobs

What cities are hiring for Environmentalist jobs?

Cities with the most Environmentalist job openings:

What states have the most Environmentalist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Environmentalist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Environmentalist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmentalist jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Environmentalist jobs?

For Environmentalist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Environmentalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmentalist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,361 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Environmentalist - Food & Safety (Health Services)

Shelby County

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conducts routine sanitation and food safety inspections of permitted establishments to ensure compliance with health and sanitation regulations.

  • Enforces environmental health and food safety laws by identifying violations, documenting inspection findings, and providing guidance on corrective actions.

  • Investigates complaints related to foodborne illness and unsanitary conditions, and performs follow-up inspections to verify continued compliance.

Job description

Position Summary  

Conducts regular sanitation inspections of establishments permitted by local and state authorities and open to the public. Monitors sanitation conditions, documents findings, and assists with compliance efforts in accordance with applicable health and sanitation regulations.
 

Pay Grade: 47 

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education  

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Two (2) years of experience in the environmental health field; AND 
  • Bachelor's degree from anaccredited college or university in physical, biological, chemical, environmental health sciences, or related field; OR 
  • An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience. 
  • PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. 
     

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conducts routine sanitation and food safety inspections of permitted establishments, including food service facilities, schools, childcare centers, pools, lodging facilities, and personal service establishments, in accordance with established procedures. 
  • Enforces local and state environmental health and food safety laws by identifying violations and documenting inspection findings in permitted establishments. 
  • Educates operators on identified violations and compliance requirements, providing guidance on corrective actions and applicable food codes. 
  • Investigates complaints related to foodborne illness and unsanitary conditions and conducts follow-up inspections as required. 
  • Performs re-inspections and ongoing monitoring of permitted establishments at required intervals to verify continued compliance. 
  • Initiates enforcement actions, including issuing violation notices and participating in environmental court proceedings when necessary. 
  • Participates in required training, standardization, and quality assurance activities, including TDH and FDA training, to maintain professional competency and consistency. 
  • Performs other related duties as required or directed.
     

KSAs 

  • Knowledge of environmental health principles, including basic chemistry, biology, and public or community health as applied to sanitation and food safety. 
  • Ability to interpret and apply environmental health laws and regulations during inspections of permitted establishments. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly explain inspection findings, violations, regulatory requirements, and compliance expectations. 
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including planning and organizing daily inspection activities efficiently. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office or comparable county systems.
     

Special Requirements 

  • Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license or secure one by date of employment. 
  • Must have access to an operable automobile and meet County requirements of automobile insurance upon date of employment. 
  • Must be able to work occasional weekends and/or modified work schedules, including adjusted days or hours, as operational needs require. 
  • Must successfully complete FDA-ORA-U Web-based Pre and Post Food Safety Courses within six (6) months of employment. 
  • Must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and training credentials throughout the duration of employment.
     

Physical Requirements 

  • Must be able to stoop, squat, crawl, and perform other physical duties as needed to investigate environmental health complaints as needed. 
  • Must be able to lift or pull up to 35 pounds at a time. 
  • Must be able to work in all types of weather. 
  • Must successfully pass a physical assessment.
     

Disclaimer  

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered andwill notautomatically disqualify the candidate. 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer  

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include appointed positions with the Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department. 

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