Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Environmental Compliance Inspectors protect people and nature by checking factories, construction sites, farms, and wastewater plants to make sure they follow environmental laws. They collect samples of water and wastewater, run lab tests, read instruments like flow meters and pH meters, and review permits and chemical storage records to spot safety risks or illegal pollution. They also make decisions about which complaints to investigate, write official reports, and work with other agencies and property owners to fix problems and prevent future spills or contamination.
Did you know?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field, with many employers preferring additional certifications from organizations like the National Association of Environmental Professionals.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$76,500 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Reading Comprehension
Things to consider
Complex Regulatory Environment
Professionals must stay current with frequently changing federal, state, and local environmental regulations, requiring continuous learning and professional development throughout their careers.
Government Employment Opportunities
The majority of positions are with government agencies like the EPA or state environmental departments, offering job stability but potentially lower salaries compared to private sector consulting roles.
Key responsibilities
Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
Prepare written, oral, tabular, and graphic reports summarizing requirements and regulations, including enforcement and chain of custody documentation.
Inspect waste pretreatment, treatment, and disposal facilities and systems for conformance to federal, state, or local regulations.
Review and evaluate applications for registration of products containing dangerous materials, or for pollution control discharge permits.
Observe and record field conditions, gathering, interpreting, and reporting data such as flow meter readings and chemical levels.