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What is an environmental protection specialist and how to become one
Environmental protection specialists use their knowledge of natural sciences to safeguard the environment. They investigate the types and amounts of pollution humans create and find ways to prevent, control, or fix the damage caused by that pollution. Environmental protection specialists earn a median sum of $67,000 annually or $32 per hour.
Environmental protection specialists analyze samples to identify pollution or potential environmental threats. They assess and determine the level of pollution or damage in an area and recommend solutions to clients or government agencies. They also ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and ordinances.
Environmental protection specialists typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, geosciences, public health, or other relevant fields. Gaining experience in a similar role can prove beneficial in the long run. Some employers choose to hire candidates who belong to field-related professional organizations. A great environmental protection specialist needs to possess solid analytical and writing skills.
What general advice would you give to an environmental protection specialist?
Shannon Farrell Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
If it is hard to find a job in your ideal field, find jobs that provide the opportunity for developing crossover skills: technical and field skills, research skills, writing skills, communication, or management skills. Leverage opportunities to improve and display your executive function skills - planning, organizing, managing, leadership, mentorship, etc. These can all be valuable efforts, even when you aren't working in your preferred scientific field. Be your advocate - make contacts, network, ask for advice, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone (it may be uncomfortable, but you will survive!)
Avg. Salary $59,771
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%
Asian 5.03%
Black or African American 3.09%
Hispanic or Latino 6.19%
Unknown 3.68%
White 81.24%
Genderfemale 38.38%
male 61.62%
Age - 37American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 37Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Environmental protection specialist career paths
Key steps to become an environmental protection specialist
Explore environmental protection specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific environmental protection specialist skills
Skills Percentages Hazardous Waste 20.78% CFR 19.17% DOD 15.74% Site Inspections 14.92% Environmental Compliance 3.23% Complete relevant environmental protection specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New environmental protection specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an environmental protection specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real environmental protection specialist resumes.Research environmental protection specialist duties and responsibilities
- Enter and manage water system inventory and monitoring requirements into EPA record database.
- Coordinate chemical inventories for all divisions per OSHA Hazcom requirements.
- Supervise facility and material flow diagram design/drafting via AutoCAD, and final permit renewal application documents preparation for TCEQ evaluation/approval.
- Conduct document quality analysis on environmental contractor bids submit for Superfund sites through research and background investigation.
Prepare your environmental protection specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your environmental protection specialist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an environmental protection specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable environmental protection specialist resume templates
Build a professional environmental protection specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your environmental protection specialist resume.
Apply for environmental protection specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an environmental protection specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first environmental protection specialist job
Are you an environmental protection specialist?
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Average environmental protection specialist salary
The average environmental protection specialist salary in the United States is $59,771 per year or $29 per hour. Environmental protection specialist salaries range between $39,000 and $91,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do environmental protection specialists rate their job?
Environmental protection specialist reviews
The work wears you down physically and mentally. After working on so many spills that are clearly the fault carelessness and disregard for fault of a careless person or organization. Leaves little hope for the future of our planet.
Updated January 8, 2025
