Environmental Compliance Inspectors

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Career Profile

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

What they do

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

Also Called: Air Permitting and Enforcement Inspector, Compliance Investigator, Enforcement Officer, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Environmental Inspector, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Quality Analyst, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Enforcement Officer (RCRA Enforcement Officer), Toxics Program Officer, Waste Management Specialist, Air Permitting and Enforcement Inspector, Compliance Investigator, Enforcement Officer, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Environmental Inspector, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Quality Analyst, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Enforcement Officer (RCRA Enforcement Officer), Toxics Program Officer, Waste Management Specialist

TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$45,170
Starting Salary (2025)
$75,370
Median Salary (2025)
3.0%
Projected Job Growth
42,900
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.
Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
Research and keep informed of pertinent information and developments in areas such as EPA laws and regulations.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Self-Control
Persistence
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Writing
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving

Expected Knowledge

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Common Activities

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 75%
  • Associate's degree 15%
  • High school diploma 10%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Environmental Engineers
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.