All About Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Career Description Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Life As an Environmental Compliance Inspector: What Do They Do?
- Observe and record field conditions, gathering, interpreting, and reporting data such as flow meter readings and chemical levels.
- Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
- Perform laboratory tests on samples collected, such as analyzing the content of contaminated wastewater.
- Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation; participate in enforcement hearings as necessary.
- Analyze and implement state, federal or local requirements as necessary to maintain approved pretreatment, pollution prevention, and storm water runoff programs.
- Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
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What an Environmental Compliance Inspector Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Environmental Compliance Inspectors say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles
- Environmental Quality Analyst
- Environmental Inspector
- Environmental Compliance Inspector
- Regulatory Compliance Specialist
- Environmental Protection Specialist
Are There Job Opportunities for Environmental Compliance Inspectors?
In the United States, there were 288,300 jobs for Environmental Compliance Inspector in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,700 new jobs for Environmental Compliance Inspector by 2026. The BLS estimates 25,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Environmental Compliance Inspector are Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does an Environmental Compliance Inspector Make?
Environmental Compliance Inspectors make between $38,320 and $109,650 a year.

Environmental Compliance Inspectors who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Environmental Compliance Inspectors make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $67,700 |
Alaska | $80,840 |
Arizona | $64,340 |
Arkansas | $56,820 |
California | $82,380 |
Colorado | $73,710 |
Connecticut | $84,590 |
Delaware | $77,670 |
District of Columbia | $93,240 |
Florida | $63,890 |
Georgia | $63,030 |
Hawaii | $69,980 |
Idaho | $59,420 |
Illinois | $74,180 |
Indiana | $61,970 |
Iowa | $63,340 |
Kansas | $60,030 |
Kentucky | $58,260 |
Louisiana | $61,230 |
Maine | $66,230 |
Maryland | $77,250 |
Massachusetts | $83,100 |
Michigan | $71,470 |
Minnesota | $76,190 |
Mississippi | $54,700 |
Missouri | $62,180 |
Montana | $62,620 |
Nebraska | $68,610 |
Nevada | $67,540 |
New Hampshire | $70,670 |
New Jersey | $83,210 |
New Mexico | $68,290 |
New York | $76,370 |
North Carolina | $67,100 |
North Dakota | $70,970 |
Ohio | $67,140 |
Oklahoma | $59,340 |
Oregon | $71,860 |
Pennsylvania | $71,090 |
Rhode Island | $76,440 |
South Carolina | $61,390 |
South Dakota | $57,930 |
Tennessee | $61,780 |
Texas | $74,690 |
Utah | $59,470 |
Vermont | $69,520 |
Virginia | $75,900 |
Washington | $84,340 |
West Virginia | $60,740 |
Wisconsin | $62,700 |
Wyoming | $67,370 |
What Tools & Technology do Environmental Compliance Inspectors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Environmental Compliance Inspectors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Database software
- UNIX
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Salesforce software
- SAP software
How to Become an Environmental Compliance Inspector
Are there Environmental Compliance Inspectors education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become an Environmental Compliance Inspector?

Where Environmental Compliance Inspectors Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Environmental Compliance Inspector may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Environmental Compliance Inspector in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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