Environmental Remediation Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of climate change and environmental awareness, the role of environmental remediation specialists is increasingly significant.

As society strives towards sustainability, the demand for skilled professionals who can analyze, alleviate, and prevent environmental degradation is growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an environmental remediation specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to identify the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the process of environmental remediation,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a flexible environmental remediation specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Environmental Remediation Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Remediation Specialists work to remove pollutants or contaminants from environmental media such as soil, groundwater, sediment, or surface water for the general protection of human health and the environment.

They use a variety of techniques to decontaminate polluted sites and have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate contaminated sites and propose remediation plans
• Conduct tests to assess the levels and types of pollution present
• Work with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, and other specialists to address environmental problems
• Implement remediation and clean-up projects to restore the environment
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of remediation activities
• Prepare and present detailed reports on findings and remediation efforts
• Stay updated on environmental regulations and safety standards
• Communicate with clients, government officials, and the public on environmental hazards and remediation plans
• Identify potential environmental impacts of projects and provide guidance on how to mitigate these risks

 

Environmental Remediation Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Environmental Remediation Specialist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to remediate environmental hazards.

Duties may include conducting site assessments, developing remediation plans, and overseeing remediation activities.

The ideal candidate has a background in environmental science or a related field and is familiar with environmental laws and regulations.

This role requires a problem-solver with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting environmental site assessments to identify contaminants and potential hazards.
• Developing and implementing environmental remediation plans.
• Overseeing remediation activities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Monitoring and documenting progress of remediation efforts.
• Collaborating with environmental scientists, engineers, and other professionals to develop effective remediation strategies.
• Preparing and presenting reports to management, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Keeping abreast of changes in environmental laws and regulations that may affect remediation efforts.

 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience as an Environmental Remediation Specialist or a similar role.
• Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Remediation Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent field visits. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Environmental Remediation Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Remediation Specialist Do?

Environmental Remediation Specialists, also known as Environmental Scientists or Technicians, are professionals who work towards the improvement and safety of the environment.

They are typically employed by government bodies, consulting firms, or environmental agencies.

Their primary role is to identify, evaluate, and eliminate hazardous conditions in the environment.

They work on projects involving pollution cleanup and contamination removal, and they ensure that the environment is free from hazardous substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and petroleum products.

These specialists conduct field inspections and sample collection, analyze data, and develop strategies for environmental cleanup and management.

They use their findings to design remediation plans and monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions.

Environmental Remediation Specialists also work closely with other environmental and engineering professionals to establish and ensure adherence to environmental standards and regulations.

They may also be involved in disaster response activities, where they play a crucial role in mitigating environmental risks posed by natural disasters or industrial accidents.

Moreover, they are responsible for communicating findings and recommendations to stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and the general public.

They often prepare detailed reports and deliver presentations to help others understand the importance of environmental remediation and the steps necessary to achieve it.

 

Environmental Remediation Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Environmental Remediation Specialist should possess certain skills and qualifications that align with the responsibilities of the role, such as:

• Understanding of environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance during all remediation processes.
• Problem-solving skills to identify the source of environmental hazards, propose appropriate remediation strategies, and rectify the problems.
• Technical knowledge and skills in handling various equipment and technology used for environmental assessment and remediation.
• Attention to detail to accurately record data, observe changes in the environment, and monitor the effectiveness of implemented remediation strategies.
• Communication skills to clearly explain technical information to clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders, as well as collaborate effectively with team members.
• Project management skills to oversee remediation projects from planning through implementation to completion, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Ability to carry out fieldwork in varying weather conditions and terrains, which might involve physical tasks such as soil sampling and groundwater monitoring.

 

Environmental Remediation Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Environmental Remediation Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, engineering, or a related field, and may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or part-time role in environmental consulting or remediation services.

These professionals gain hands-on experience by working on projects involving soil, groundwater, and sediment contamination assessment, hazardous waste management, and other related tasks.

They may also gain experience in using various remediation technologies and techniques, such as bioremediation, soil vapor extraction, and in-situ chemical oxidation.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually expand their expertise by working on complex remediation projects, conducting environmental impact assessments, and complying with environmental laws and regulations.

They may also have experience in project management and client relations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have significant exposure to strategic planning of remediation projects, supervising teams, and communicating with regulators and stakeholders.

They may be ready for a managerial or lead position in environmental remediation projects.

These candidates are often proficient in designing and implementing remediation strategies, and have a strong understanding of environmental risk assessment.

 

Environmental Remediation Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Remediation Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, or a related field.

Courses in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics are considered particularly beneficial, as they provide a strong scientific foundation for this field.

Many Environmental Remediation Specialists also have a master’s degree in environmental science or engineering, particularly if they want to focus on a specific aspect of remediation or work on more complex projects.

Field experience is also highly valued in this profession, and many specialists gain this through internships or entry-level positions.

Licenses, certifications, or registrations may be required, depending on the state and type of work being done.

For example, some states require licensing for those who provide advice about environmental remediation.

Although not required, some Environmental Remediation Specialists may also choose to pursue further professional certifications in areas such as hazardous materials management, environmental risk assessment, or related areas, which can demonstrate expertise and commitment to ongoing learning in the field.

 

Environmental Remediation Specialist Salary Expectations

An Environmental Remediation Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $62,920 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on experience, education, location, and the company they work for.

 

Environmental Remediation Specialist Job Description FAQs

What are the key skills required for an Environmental Remediation Specialist?

Environmental Remediation Specialists should have a strong understanding of environmental laws and regulations.

They need to possess problem-solving skills to devise remediation strategies, and strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and explain complex scientific concepts to non-scientists.

Additionally, they should have a solid foundation in geology, biology, chemistry, and mathematics.

 

What qualifications are needed to become an Environmental Remediation Specialist?

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, engineering, or a related field is typically required for an entry-level position.

Advanced roles may require a master’s degree.

Certifications such as Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) can be advantageous.

Prior experience in environmental consulting or hazardous waste management is also beneficial.

 

What are the daily responsibilities of an Environmental Remediation Specialist?

An Environmental Remediation Specialist’s day-to-day activities include designing and implementing remediation plans, conducting environmental assessments and audits, coordinating with regulatory bodies, monitoring the progress of remediation activities, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

They may also prepare reports and present findings to stakeholders.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Remediation Specialist?

A good Environmental Remediation Specialist is meticulous, as accuracy is paramount when conducting environmental assessments and designing remediation strategies.

They should have strong analytical skills for interpreting complex data and identifying environmental hazards.

Furthermore, they must be dedicated to sustainable practices and proactive in keeping up-to-date with the latest environmental regulations and remediation technologies.

 

Is it challenging to hire Environmental Remediation Specialists?

Hiring Environmental Remediation Specialists can be a challenge due to the specialized skill set required for the job.

There is also a growing demand for these professionals because of increasing environmental concerns and stricter regulations.

Therefore, providing competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate work of an environmental remediation specialist.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about cleaning up polluted sites.

It’s about shaping a sustainable future, one ecosystem at a time.

With our detailed environmental remediation specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive in.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating finely-tuned job listings or perfecting your resume.

Always remember:

Every ecosystem restored contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape a healthier, more sustainable world. Together.

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