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Environmentalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Engineer

Atlanta, GA ยท Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Mid-Level Chemical, Process, or Environmental Engineer with expertise in hazardous waste management, combustion, and/or air pollution control technologies. You must have an ...

Environmental Technician

Lima, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Maintain a clean work environment by picking up trash, spill clean up, excess building materials, or other potentially hazardous products * Provide assistance to onsite tradespeople * Transport ...

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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 Aug 17, 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.

What cities are hiring for Environmentalist jobs?

Cities with the most Environmentalist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmentalist jobs?

The most popular types of Environmentalist jobs are:

What states have the most Environmentalist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Environmentalist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Environmentalist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,361 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Environmentalist Water Regulatory Specialist (SS-48667)

CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION

Nespelem, WA โ€ข On-site

$35.13 - $47.48/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

CLOSING DATE:ย August 28th, 2026ย  ย 

POSITION:ย Environmentalist Water Regulatory Specialistย ย ย ย 

SALARY: $35.13-$47.48, per hour D.O.E

REPORTS TO: Water Administratorย ย ย ย ย ย 

LOCATION: Environmental Trust, Nespelem, WAย 

Basic Functions:ย This is a Non-Exempt position. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) Environmental Trust Program Water Regulatory Specialist is primarily responsible for the administration, coordination, and enforcement of Colville Tribal Code (CTC) 4-5 On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal. Operates and maintains the on-site septic system (OSS) permit process, standard operating procedures (SOPs), performs and coordinates field evaluations and investigations to determine compliance with CTC 4-5, cites violations and takes enforcement action as needed. Recommends and assists in development or modification of CTC 4-5.

Supports the administration and coordination of CTC 4-8 Water Quality Standards (40 CFR 131.35) and Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 water quality certification, Including compliance monitoring, enforcement and development or modification of SOPs and associated CTCs. Advises the Water Administrator and Program Manager (Manager) regarding issues that affect the administration of CTC 4-5, CTC 4-8, CWA Section 401, and protection of Tribal water quality and human health.

Conducts water quality, sanitation, and environmental justice outreach with respect to Tribal culture, Indigenous science, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). The Officer conducts OSS infrastructure inventory; creates and maintains permitting documents, correspondence, and geographic information system (GIS) datasets; and conducts landform analysis. Participates in regulatory permitting and multidisciplinary planning for land use actions and may assess water/OSS impacts from natural disasters and emergency incidents, recommending redevelopment actions.

BENEFITS: We have excellent benefits including full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k with employer contributions, Short-and Long- Term disability for Full-Time employees.ย Generous leave package includes paid holidays, sick leave, and annual leave for Full-Time and Part-Time employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training:ย 

  • Requires a Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental health or planning, physical or natural sciences, or a closely related discipline in environmental/natural resource science or environmental management;
  • AND 24 months of work experience in interdisciplinary environmental/natural resource science or management involving work with land use planning, soil science, hydrology, water quality monitoring, and regulatory compliance or enforcement; College level training in hydrology, biology and/or environmental justice.
  • A desirable candidate will also have experience related to interpretation of Tribal natural resource regulation, Incident Command System, emergency/disaster response, records management, and climate change impacts to the natural and built environment.
  • A Master's degree is preferred and may be substituted for some experience.
  • Requires a valid driverโ€™s license and be eligible for the Tribesโ€™ vehicle insurance. Must maintain throughout employment.
  • Must complete basic Incident Command System (ICS) courses within 1 year (12 months) of hiring date.ย ย ย 
  • Must agree to Water Regulatory Specialist Training Plan as developed by ETD.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Requires professional knowledge of principles and practices of natural resource management; environmental planning, policy, and law.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires professional knowledge of environmental regulatory program administration.
  • Requires professional knowledge of strategic planning.
  • Requires professional knowledge of typical management and program development considerations.
  • Requires professional knowledge of intergovernmental relations, jurisdiction and policy formation.
  • Requires professional knowledge of facilitation and supervision.
  • Requires professional knowledge of field investigative and water sampling techniques and data gathering.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires technical knowledge of watershed analysis and soil science, including hydraulic soil, plant identification, and ecosystem processes.ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires technical knowledge of natural resources and land use planning.
  • Requires technical knowledge of wetland identification and assessment methodologies.
  • Requires technical knowledge of assessment and analyzation of environmental data.ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires knowledge of technical and business writing, contract administration, and grant writing, and adaptive management strategies.
  • Requires working knowledge of applicable Tribal, State and Federal laws and practices used to ensure properly designed water/wastewater sanitation systems.ย ย 
  • Requires working knowledge of relationship between water management, pollution, and environmental health.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires working knowledge of soil properties that influence hydrologic processes.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires working knowledge of effects of land use, development and climate change to water quality.
  • Requires working knowledge of ecological processes of native plant habitats, vegetation, and environmental health.
  • Requires working knowledge of safety practices necessary to wildland field work such as defensive driving.ย ย ย 
  • Knowledge of Tribal sovereignty and Tribal cultural values related to the natural environment is preferred.ย ย 
  • Requires skill in effective interpersonal and professional written and oral communication with staff, other agencies and the general public by conveying information clearly, concisely, and with respect to Tribal culture, traditions, and practices.
  • Requires skill in MS word processing, spreadsheet, database, and ESRI programs.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires skill in writing and editing of Tribal code and technical documentation and reports.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires skill in problem solving, effective time and task management; aerial photography interpretation. Requires skill in data collection and organization
  • Requires skill in negotiation and facilitation.ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires skill in motivating resource protection through work of others.ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires skill in forest and rangeland navigation.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires ability to perform complex policy level tasks with minimal help or supervision.ย ย 
  • Requires ability to make independent decisions and use sound judgment in performing assigned tasks.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires ability to assume new responsibilities, self-train and seek instruction as needed to achieve task objectives.ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires ability to work well and effectively with others in an interdisciplinary team environment.
  • Requires ability to analyze environmental and infrastructure conditions and enforcement problems utilizing field observations/data.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires ability to conduct investigations and monitoring activities, use field testing equipment and perform water-soil sampling data collection.ย ย 
  • Requires ability to understand and make frequent interpretations and decisions involving land use management and water quality.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires ability to understand and apply sanitation and environmental health regulations and related laws.
  • Requires ability to understand how Tribal cultural values interact with position and duties.
  • Requires ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
  • Requires ability to prepare maps, plans, charts and graphs.ย ย 
  • Requires ability to provide technical reports and materials in a form that can be understood by a diverse audience.ย ย ย ย ย ย 
  • Requires ability to use computers and word processing, database, spreadsheet, and GIS and associated software.

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

If required of this position, you must possess and maintain aย valid Washington State driverโ€™s license and be eligible for the Tribesโ€™ Vehicle Insurance.ย  In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances. ย If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

INFORMATION: Shayla Schilling, Human Resources Technician Senior, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155, (509) 634-2296. shayla.schilling.hrs@colvilletribes.com