Environmental Compliance Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of environmental awareness, the role of an environmental compliance engineer is more crucial than ever.

As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our ecological systems increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from an environmental compliance engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect job profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of environmental compliance engineering,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable environmental compliance engineer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Environmental Compliance Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Compliance Engineers play a significant role in ensuring that companies comply with environmental regulations and standards.

They use their in-depth understanding of engineering principles and environmental laws to devise and implement solutions that minimize environmental impact.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Interpreting and ensuring compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and policies
• Conducting environmental audits to identify areas of non-compliance and recommending corrective actions
• Developing, implementing, and managing environmental compliance programs
• Designing or modifying industrial processes to reduce pollution and waste
• Preparing environmental permit applications and compliance reports
• Collaborating with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, and other specialists to address environmental problems
• Providing technical support for environmental remediation projects and for legal actions
• Evaluating and monitoring progress towards environmental sustainability goals
• Leading training and workshops on environmental compliance issues
• Keeping up-to-date with new environmental laws and best practices in environmental compliance and sustainability

 

Environmental Compliance Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Environmental Compliance Engineer to help us ensure our business operations are in compliance with all environmental laws and regulations.

The Environmental Compliance Engineer will be responsible for performing evaluations, preparing environmental permits, maintaining compliance records, and developing environmental policies and procedures.

Our ideal candidate is skilled in environmental engineering concepts and demonstrates a thorough understanding of environmental laws and regulations.

Ultimately, the role of the Environmental Compliance Engineer is to ensure that our company minimally impacts the environment and maintains compliance with all relevant environmental regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental audits and inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Develop and implement environmental policies and procedures to ensure company-wide compliance
• Prepare environmental permits, licenses, and related documents
• Monitor environmental performance and report on any issues
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate environmental considerations into business decisions
• Stay updated on new regulations and industry practices
• Provide guidance and training to staff on environmental compliance issues
• Manage waste and pollution control programs

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Environmental Compliance Engineer or similar role
• Detailed understanding of local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• BSc degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Compliance Engineer
• Work Environment: Office setting with some fieldwork required. Travel may be required for site inspections and audits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Environmental Compliance.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $125,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Environmental Compliance Engineer Do?

Environmental Compliance Engineers typically work for corporations across industries, environmental agencies, or as consultants.

Their job involves ensuring that corporations and industries are in compliance with environmental regulations and standards.

They work closely with other Engineers, Environmental Scientists, and Legal Teams to review, evaluate, and enforce compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

This may involve conducting environmental impact assessments, performing site inspections, or reviewing technical documents.

Their job is to ensure that the operations of their employer or client do not negatively impact the environment, or if they do, that proper mitigation strategies are put in place.

They often need to interpret complex environmental laws and regulations, and help their employer or client understand what they need to do to remain compliant.

They may also be responsible for designing and implementing environmental management systems, developing environmental policies, or training staff on environmental compliance.

In cases where violations occur, they work with their employer or client to correct the issue and prevent further violations.

This may involve working with regulators, designing remediation plans, or overseeing the implementation of environmental technologies.

Overall, the role of an Environmental Compliance Engineer is critical in the pursuit of sustainable development and environmental protection.

 

Environmental Compliance Engineer Qualifications and Skills

An Environmental Compliance Engineer should have a combination of technical skills, regulatory knowledge, and interpersonal abilities to ensure that operations, projects, and processes comply with environmental standards.

These include:

• Technical skills to understand complex environmental systems, predict potential environmental impacts, and develop strategies for minimizing harm to the environment.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and standards to ensure all operations and projects are in compliance and to foresee potential compliance issues.
• Analytical skills to assess data and make informed decisions regarding environmental compliance.
• Communication skills to articulate compliance requirements to team members, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, and to negotiate solutions when non-compliance issues arise.
• Problem-solving skills to identify potential environmental issues and develop and implement effective solutions to mitigate any negative impacts.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and regulatory requirements simultaneously.
• Collaboration skills to work effectively with various teams and departments to achieve environmental compliance goals.
• Experience with environmental monitoring and testing equipment to assess and report on environmental conditions accurately.

 

Environmental Compliance Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Environmental Compliance Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field.

Having 1 to 2 years of experience, usually obtained through internships or part-time roles, is beneficial.

This experience could include conducting environmental assessments, drafting compliance reports, or managing waste disposal systems.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience are generally expected to have a solid foundation in environmental regulations and standards.

They may have worked in roles such as Environmental Analyst, Environmental Scientist, or Environmental Project Manager where they gained hands-on experience in implementing environmental compliance programs and managing environmental projects.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience often have in-depth knowledge of environmental laws and regulations and the ability to design and execute effective environmental management systems.

They may have held senior roles, like Senior Environmental Engineer, or Environmental Compliance Officer, where they have had the responsibility of ensuring organization-wide environmental compliance.

Those with extensive experience, usually over 10 years, may be considered for leadership positions in environmental compliance.

These individuals are often well-versed in strategic planning, regulatory negotiations, and managing cross-functional teams to achieve environmental goals.

They may hold certifications such as Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA) or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), demonstrating their advanced skills and knowledge in the field.

 

Environmental Compliance Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Compliance Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related field.

A solid foundation in mathematics and science courses, particularly chemistry and biology, is crucial.

Moreover, understanding of environmental laws and regulations, and familiarity with environmental systems and tools are essential.

In some cases, particularly for those seeking senior or management roles, a master’s degree in environmental engineering or a related discipline may be required.

Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is also necessary for some positions, especially those that involve supervising other engineers or signing off on projects.

This usually requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

In addition, certification in environmental engineering or a related field, such as the Certified Environmental Engineer (CEEn) or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), may be advantageous.

Continuous professional development is also important for staying current with the latest technologies, practices, and regulatory changes in the field.

Practical experience, typically gained through internships or cooperative engineering programs during college, is highly valued by employers.

 

Environmental Compliance Engineer Salary Expectations

An Environmental Compliance Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $77,601 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as industry, level of experience, educational qualifications, and the specific location of employment.

 

Environmental Compliance Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Compliance Engineer need?

Environmental Compliance Engineers should have excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, as they are often responsible for developing and implementing environmental management systems.

They should also have strong communication skills to effectively present their findings and recommendations to various stakeholders.

Knowledge in environmental regulations and compliance, as well as proficiency in using specific engineering software, is also important.

 

Do Environmental Compliance Engineers need a degree?

Yes, they do.

An Environmental Compliance Engineer typically needs a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field.

Some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or professional engineering (PE) license.

Certain roles might require specific certifications related to environmental management systems or hazardous waste operations.

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Compliance Engineer’s resume?

Look for a degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field.

Check if they possess any relevant certifications and licenses.

Experience in designing and implementing environmental compliance programs, as well as familiarity with environmental laws and regulations, should be highlighted.

Proficiency in engineering software tools and evidence of strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills are other key aspects to consider.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Compliance Engineer?

A good Environmental Compliance Engineer should be highly analytical and detail-oriented, with a strong ability to solve complex problems.

They should be skilled in using engineering software tools and have a deep understanding of environmental laws and regulations.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they often need to present their findings to various stakeholders.

A strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability is another key quality.

 

Is it difficult to hire Environmental Compliance Engineers?

It can be challenging to find qualified Environmental Compliance Engineers due to the specific skill set required for the role.

Employers can attract potential candidates by offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and roles that make a positive impact on environmental conservation.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we have delved into the core of what it means to be an environmental compliance engineer.

And you know what?

It’s not just about regulatory knowledge.

It’s about shaping a sustainable world, one environmental policy at a time.

With our comprehensive environmental compliance engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why draw the line there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every regulation upheld is a step towards a greener world.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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