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Environmental Protection Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Scientist

Columbus, OH

$72.40K - $95.10K/yr

Ideal candidates will have knowledge and experience in one or more of the following: environmental process, NEPA environmental document preparation, stream/wetland delineation, protected species ...

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Environmental Protection information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$40.1K

$88.3K

$133.3K

How much do environmental protection jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection in Columbus, OH is $88,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 jobs pay $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs in environmental protection, such as senior environmental consultants, project managers, or specialized engineers, can sometimes pay around $3,000 a day, especially for contract or consulting roles with extensive experience and expertise. These positions often require advanced certifications, significant industry experience, and work on large-scale projects or in high-demand areas.

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 are popular job titles related to Environmental Protection jobs in Columbus, OH? For Environmental Protection jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Protection jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Protection jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Environmental Protection jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Environmental Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Protection job openings in Columbus, OH as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,308 per year, or $42.5 per hour.
Director I, Environmental Protection

Director I, Environmental Protection

Waste Management

Newark, OH • On-site, Remote

$150.92K - $176.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 604 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 70 rated recycling and waste


Job description

I. Job Summary
 

Responsible for identifying and controlling company liability and associated costs for groundwater and associated media, optimizing WM landfill capacity and development costs, and implementation of company-wide environmental protection programs and policies within a defined geographic area of coverage.  Support and provide leadership of certain corporate technical programs focused on asset protection and management of enterprise risk. While this is a remote position, the preferred location is based out of Ohio, Michigan or Pennsylvania. 
 

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement standards relating to the protection, control, and management of groundwater, surface water and the vadose zone (i.e., unsaturated zone(s) below ground surface) within a defined geographic area of coverage. Additional areas of responsibility include management and evaluation of leachate, landfill gas, gas condensate, etc. when they are a threat to surface water, groundwater, or the vadose zone.
  • Actively participates in the strategy and approval of the operating and capital budget for the Groundwater and Technical Programs group and review and approval of proposed modifications to groundwater-related remedial reserves.
  • Direct and manage internal and external (consultant) company resources. Manage asset development within the defined geographic area of coverage including facility impact determinations, expansion investigation scope and interpretation, groundwater/surface water permitting, regulatory negotiations, monitoring program development/change/optimization review and due diligence of potential property acquisitions.
  • Design and implement strategic project plans in response to more complex compliance and liability issues and problems. Responsible for interpreting environmental data, directly responding to NOVs or proposed Consent Orders, and commenting and directing responses to proposed regulatory rule revisions related to our areas of responsibility within the company.
  • Organize and execute routine communications with Area management regarding both significant development projects as well as to ensure compliance and consistency with company-wide environmental protection programs.
  • Plan, organize and manage the groundwater and related-media portion of an environmental protection program within a defined geographic area of coverage. Under senior management direction, work toward predetermined goals and objectives.
  • Monitor emerging issues in environmental regulatory requirements. Initiate and participate in developing the company's response to new or changing regulations on a State, regional, and national basis.
  • Direct communication with local, state, or national stakeholders to discuss program or project objectives that meet WM objectives of environmental protection or performance.

III. Qualifications

Must live and work in the U.S.


 A. Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor of Science Degree, or in lieu of degree, 
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 4+ years of hydrogeology and landfill-related experience
  • 10+ years landfill-related experience
  • Specific certification, licensing, or registration is required by at least one nationally recognized organization and one or more state organizations in the field of groundwater/ hydrology, geology, or geologic engineering.

B. Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science Degree or higher
  • Minimum of 10+ years of hydrogeology and landfill-related experience
  • MS Office familiarity, general computer acumen and ability to learn to utilize other job-related technical software. Familiarity with statistical methods. Research skills. A working knowledge of the company's operations and business hierarchy.  

IV. Physical Requirements

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Office: This job primarily operates remotely.
  • When not working remotely, normal setting for this job is an office setting at WM facilities (e.g., landfill and hazardous waste sites, transfer stations, market area offices, etc).
  • Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes, or similar elements when working in the field outside an office setting.
  • 20-25% travel is anticipated the first year of employment; subsequent travel may be comparable but variable depending on location and significance of key projects 

    Pay: The expected base pay range for this position across the U.S. is $150,920 - $176,100. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.

V. Benefits

At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days.

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

WM Leaders are a critical part of our People First culture. The proud, caring and resilient members of the WM family are the foundation for our success. We commit to taking care of each other, our customers, our communities and the environment. We are Leaders in Sustainability & Environmental Solutions.
WM is more than just managing waste. We're industry leaders helping people and organizations achieve their sustainability goals, and We Are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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