Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of heightened environmental consciousness, the role of Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officers has become increasingly important.

As environmental regulations evolve and expand, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, implement, and maintain compliance with these regulations is growing.

But what exactly is expected from an Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of environmental regulatory compliance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officers are responsible for ensuring that organizations comply with environmental laws and regulations, overseeing environmental impact assessments, and implementing environmental management systems.

They are also responsible for training staff and making recommendations on compliance matters.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and documenting regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations
• Conducting regular environmental audits and inspections to identify potential risks and non-compliance issues
• Developing, implementing, and managing environmental compliance programs
• Providing technical guidance on environmental compliance matters
• Researching new environmental regulations and changes to existing regulations
• Preparing and submitting reports and documentation on environmental compliance to regulatory bodies
• Leading the response to any environmental incidents or emergencies, including coordinating clean-up efforts and reporting to regulatory agencies
• Training and educating staff on environmental policies and practices
• Assisting in the development of strategies to reduce environmental impact and carbon footprint

 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer to ensure our company adheres to legal standards and in-house policies.

You will be responsible for enforcing regulations in all aspects and levels of business as well as providing guidance on compliance matters.

A great Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer is well-versed in legal guidelines and corporate governance best practices.

They are professionals of high ethical standards and work diligently to complete their duties, keeping in mind the objectives of the business.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement company policies and regulations.
• Understand and apply legal requirements and environmental standards.
• Regularly assess the company’s compliance with regulations and internal policies.
• Educate and train employees on regulations and industry practices.
• Address employee concerns or questions on legal compliance.
• Keep abreast of internal standards and business goals.
• Revise procedures and reports periodically to identify hidden risks or non-conformity issues.
• Assess the business’s future ventures to identify possible compliance risks.
• Review the work of colleagues when necessary to identify compliance issues and provide advice or training.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Compliance Officer or Compliance Manager
• Experience in environmental regulation and policy
• Strong knowledge of industry processes and regulations
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
• An analytical mindset with excellent organizational skills
• BSc/BA in law, business administration, or related field
• Certification in compliance law or risk management is advantageous

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional field visits. Some travel may be required for regulatory meetings or site inspections.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Compliance Manager or Chief Compliance Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $105,000 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 Regulatory Compliance Officer Do?

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officers typically work for corporations, government agencies, or environmental consulting firms.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the organization they work for complies with all applicable environmental regulations and standards.

They conduct regular audits and inspections to check if the company’s practices are in line with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.

This may include monitoring waste disposal, emissions, water usage, and other aspects that could impact the environment.

They assist in creating and implementing environmental policies and procedures, conducting environmental risk assessments, and promoting sustainable practices within the organization.

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officers also prepare and file necessary compliance reports to regulatory bodies.

They may also provide training to other employees about the organization’s environmental policies and compliance requirements.

In case of non-compliance, these officers are tasked with identifying the issues and developing corrective action plans.

They also keep up-to-date with new and changing environmental laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance within the organization.

Their role involves a significant level of communication and liaison with both internal and external stakeholders, including staff, management, and regulatory authorities.

 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer Qualifications and Skills

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officers use a blend of legal knowledge, environmental science understanding, and communication skills to ensure that organizations are in compliance with environmental regulations.

Required qualifications and skills include:

• Thorough knowledge of environmental regulations and laws to ensure compliance and provide accurate advice to the organization.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret complex legislation, scientific reports, and compliance data.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with a range of stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, management, and operational staff, and to deliver training and updates on new regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills.
• Research skills to keep up-to-date with changing environmental regulations and industry practices.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills to identify potential compliance issues and develop effective solutions.
• A degree in environmental science, law, or a related field is typically required, with some roles also requiring certification as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or similar.
• Ability to lead and coordinate audits and inspections to verify compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer position typically require at least 1 to 2 years of experience in the environmental field, often gained through an internship or entry-level role.

They might have experience in environmental research, policy work, or conservation projects, and have exposure to regulatory compliance tasks.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience typically hold a more advanced role in environmental compliance, regulation, or related fields.

They have developed expertise in environmental laws and regulations, and may have experience handling environmental audits, risk assessments, and compliance monitoring.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

They may have substantial experience dealing with regulatory agencies and managing environmental compliance programs.

At this stage, candidates may also possess leadership skills and could be prepared for a managerial or supervisory role in the compliance department.

In addition, a degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related field can be beneficial.

It’s also recommended that they hold relevant certifications like the Certified Environmental, Safety & Health Trainer or the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.

 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officers typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related field.

This program provides the basic understanding of environmental policies, principles of environmental science and the impact of industrial activities on the environment.

In addition, a master’s degree in environmental law or policy, or a related field, can be beneficial, especially for those looking to work in positions with a significant level of responsibility or those seeking to specialize in a particular aspect of environmental regulation.

Since the role involves understanding and interpreting legal and technical documents, courses in legal studies and technical writing may also be helpful.

Many positions also require practical experience, often obtained through internships or entry-level positions, in environmental compliance or regulatory affairs.

Certification from recognized bodies like the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) or the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) can demonstrate a candidate’s professional competence and commitment to the field.

Continuing education is important in this role due to the changing nature of environmental regulations and standards.

Finally, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively are crucial for success in this role.

 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer is $71,667 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary depending on the individual’s level of experience, educational background, geographical location, and the organization they are employed by.

 

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer need?

Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officers need excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify non-compliance issues and devise solutions.

They should have a deep knowledge of environmental laws and regulations.

They also need exceptional communication skills to effectively articulate compliance standards to various stakeholders.

Project management skills are also helpful for overseeing compliance initiatives.

 

Do Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officers require a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field is usually required.

Many organizations also prefer candidates with a master’s degree or significant experience in environmental compliance.

A comprehensive understanding of environmental laws and regulations is crucial.

 

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

Firstly, verify their educational qualifications related to environmental science or engineering.

Check for relevant experience in regulatory compliance, environmental auditing, or environmental management.

Certification in environmental law or compliance can be an added advantage.

Also, look for any evidence of their ability to effectively communicate complex regulatory information to non-specialists.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer?

A good Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer is meticulous, detail-oriented, and has a deep understanding of environmental laws and regulations.

They should be able to analyze complex data, identify potential compliance issues, and formulate effective corrective actions.

They should also have excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with various stakeholders and effectively communicate compliance standards and requirements.

 

How challenging is it to hire an Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer?

Hiring an Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer can be quite challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires candidates to have a blend of environmental knowledge and legal acumen.

However, having a clear and detailed job description, offering competitive compensation, and highlighting opportunities for professional growth can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve laid bare the true nature of being an Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about following rules.

It’s about safeguarding our planet, one regulation at a time.

With our comprehensive Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to spring into action.

But why stop now?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting precision job listings or for finessing your resume to flawless standards.

Remember:

Each regulation is a step towards a healthier planet.

Let’s safeguard our environment. Together.

How to Become an Environmental Regulatory Compliance Officer (Complete Guide)

The Economic Shield: Jobs That Protect Against Market Crashes

Not My Dream Job: The Most Hated Careers in the Workforce

Outearn the Competition: Insider Tips on Landing the Highest Paying Jobs!

Wacky Work: The Strangest Jobs People Have