Environmental Compliance Specialist Job Description

Environmental Compliance Specialists

People and companies are aware of the carbon footprint of their activities because of the concern about global climate change. Environmental compliance specialists help ensure that carbon footprints conform to the laws. Compliance officers can be found in both the private and government sectors.

Environmental compliance specialists inspect industrial sites and investigate sources of pollution to protect local communities and ensure that companies comply with federal and state environmental laws, as well as local regulations on pollution, according to information from the O-Net Online website. Environmental compliance officers investigate complaints of suspected violations of pollution control laws, such as illegal dumping and excessive emissions. They collect water samples and other types of evidence for laboratory analysis.

If they find a violation, they will determine what corrective actions should be taken and issue citations. They might be involved in enforcement hearings. Compliance officers prepare reports and graphics that summarize environmental regulations to educate businesses and the public.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that most environmental compliance specialists work for government agencies. Some companies in the private sector use internal environmental compliance specialists to make sure that the rules are followed. A bachelor's degree is required to become an environmental compliance officer.

Environmental science, biology or chemistry are appropriate fields of study. Strong knowledge of science, environmental law and public safety is required by compliance specialists. Environmental compliance specialists are included in the broader occupational category of compliance officers, which also includes specialists who ensure compliance with other types of regulations besides environmental ones.

What is Compliance?

It's a great question because if you don't know what it means, you're probably not in compliance. The biggest risk of not being in compliance is fines, penalties, and other bad things. Being in compliance is not good.

Compliance is defined as "conformity in fulfilling official requirements". That's all. If you put the word environmental in there, you'll have a good idea of what environmental compliance is.

It's conforming to the official environmental requirements. You will find yourself fulfilling your official environmental requirements if you can do all this. Follow the rules and regulations that affect your facility and you will be in compliance.

Job Openings for Environmental Specialist

Well organized. It is important to be organized in order to stay on top of managing their datand information, as environmental specialists often have to balance a variety of issues at one time. Proper training is required for workers who work around hazardous materials.

Facilities must be monitored for issues that could affect the environment. If you want to pursue a career in the industry as an environmental specialist, you need to get certified. Many businesses, organizations, and facilities hire environmental specialists to advise them on environmental policy, concerns, and best practices.

You can see a sample of job postings for environmental specialists here. The government hires many specialists to monitor compliance with federal regulations. Entry level jobs for environmental specialists may include laboratory technicians.

Environmental Compliance and Corporate Social Responsibility

Environmental compliance has become a big concern in recent years and will only get bigger as concerns for the environment grow. Corporations and businesses have to be more cautious than ever before, not only for Environmental Compliance but also to tighten their corporate social responsibility, since the stringency and number of environmental standards have increased recently. It is a part of your business practice to constantly review how your operations are complying or not. Civil or criminal penalties can be used to ensure environmental compliance, and the provision of false or misleading information to get approval is very badly regarded.

Compliance Professionals: The Rise and Fall of Compliance

Compliance professionals can work anywhere they choose. Some people work for an organization's regulatory department while others work as third-party consultants. The national average for a mid-career compliance manager is $80,000.

Depending on an individual's skill, years of experience, and job location, a salary can range from $52,000 to more than $125,000. The market outlook is promising because of the compliance concerns that extend to all industries. There will be more than 23,000 new compliance jobs by the year 2026.

Demand for skilled workers will continue to rise as technology continues to advance. Successful industry professionals combine their compliance mindset with regulatory knowledge and hands-on experience. The hands-on training offered by top degree programs is valuable.

Enrolling in a graduate or certificate program can fill in knowledge gaps in your background Government leadership is the most important factor in the compliance industry as laws and regulations are based on who is appointed to policy development. It is important for compliance professionals to stay current on legislation and certifications as they are developed.

The black market for cyber crime is a big concern for compliance professionals. Compliance professionals will work with security groups to manage risks to data privacy and security. Professionals tasked with keeping their organizations compliant and protected will face unique challenges due to new technologies.

Candidate Resume for the Posts of Environmental Compliance Specialist

Environmental compliance specialists perform a number of important tasks, which may include reading reports, analyzing aerial photographs, examining and identifying potential violations, documenting findings, and collecting waste, water, and soil samples in order to critically analyze them. The environmental compliance specialist work description involves carrying out investigations and exams on holders of licenses and permits to make sure they don't violate environmental health and safety laws. To become an environmental compliance specialist, you need to have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and have a sound educational background, which includes a degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or Chemistry.

Environmental compliance specialists are involved inspecting and investigating the industrial sources of pollution which causes environmental hazard and ensuring the application of federal, state, and local regulatory procedures in compliance with the environment and the public. They have to conduct various tests, analysis, and observations before making any recommendations for controlling the environment. They need to work in compliance with the regulatory authorities.

They need to be familiar with the procedures in the field. The environment compliance specialists are involved in researching the potential hazardous material in the waste material created by the manufacturing unit, estimating the magnitude of unsafe components in it and establishing proper safety measures for the project. They need to manage the release of potential hazardous material in the environment and comply with environmental security program.

Environmental compliance specialists are required to work with toxic and hazardous substances to analyze the magnitude of potential hazard. Their work profile requires them to work in both indoor and outdoor conditions. They are required to work 8 hours shifts on a rotating basis, and they may have to work overtime in case of emergencies.

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Environmental Compliance Inspectors search job sites for environmental code violations and take proper actions to restore compliance at the site. They will look through various permits and licenses to make sure everything has been done correctly. They must be aware of the latest regulations in their field.

An Environmental Compliance Inspector may be required to follow up with the case after finding a violation. Between 2012-2022, the job demand for Environmental Compliance Inspectors is expected to increase by 5%, which is slower than average. More compliance officers will be required to maintain the laws and regulations that are put into effect as environmental awareness and industry increases.