Occupation Details
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$54,040.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$82,000.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$105,200.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
24,110
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
28,380
+427 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
2,457
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Aluminum ladders
- Atmosphere monitors
- Bacon bomb samplers
- Benthic grab samplers
- Bladder pumps
- Bottom fill bailers
- Bucket augers
- Centrifugal water sampling pumps
- Chlorine samplers
- Chlorophyll-a probes
- Colorimetric field sampling devices
- Composite liquid waste samplers COLIWASA
- Conductance meters
- Continuous flame ionization detectors FID
- Continuous water quality monitors
- Dataloggers
- Desktop computers
- Differential photometers
- Dissolved oxygen probes
- Double check valve bailers
- Ekman grab samplers
- Enzyme immunoassay kits
- Extractive Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers
- Flowmeters
- Fuel fluorescence detectors FFD
- Graphite furnace atomic absorption GFAA spectrometers
- Gravity corers
- Ground penetrating radar GPR
- Groundwater sampling peristaltic pumps
- Hand corers
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- DQO-PRO
- Database software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Fully Integrated Environmental Location Decision Support FIELDS
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Mass Flux Toolkit
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- develop safety regulations
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- recommend action to ensure compliance
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare safety reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare reports of inspections
- inspect or test materials to verify safety standards or ensure meeting of specifications
- use government regulations
- use hazardous materials information
- use interviewing procedures
- use hazardous disposal techniques
- use knowledge of relevant laws
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use pollution control techniques
- use public speaking techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
- explain rules, policies or regulations
- interpret laws or legislation
- explain government laws or regulations
- detect infractions of rules
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- analyze ecosystem data
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- recognize public safety hazards
- approve or disallow application or license
- enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
- issue citation or warning for violation of laws
- verify investigative information
- identify laws or court decisions relevant to pending cases
- compile evidence for court actions
- investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
- make presentations
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- gather physical evidence
- review laws
- inspect products or systems for regulatory compliance
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- inspect waste disposal or treatment facilities for regulatory compliance
- examine permits or licenses to ensure compliance with requirements
- ensure compliance with government regulations
- examine documents for completeness, accuracy, or conformance to standards
- determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
- Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
- Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
- Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
- Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
- Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
- Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
- Inspect waste pretreatment, treatment, and disposal facilities and systems for conformance to federal, state, or local regulations.
- Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized and proper safety protocols implemented.
- Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.
- Examine permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
- Prepare written, oral, tabular, and graphic reports summarizing requirements and regulations, including enforcement and chain of custody documentation.
- Observe and record field conditions, gathering, interpreting, and reporting data such as flow meter readings and chemical levels.
- Analyze and implement state, federal or local requirements as necessary to maintain approved pretreatment, pollution prevention, and storm water runoff programs.
- Determine sampling locations and methods, and collect water or wastewater samples for analysis, preserving samples with appropriate containers and preservation methods.
- Evaluate label information for accuracy and conformance to regulatory requirements.
- Research and keep informed of pertinent information and developments in areas such as EPA laws and regulations.
- Respond to questions and inquiries, such as those concerning service charges and capacity fees, or refer them to supervisors.
- Research and perform calculations related to landscape allowances, discharge volumes, production-based and alternative limits, and wastewater strength classifications, making recommendations and completing documentation.
- Perform laboratory tests on samples collected, such as analyzing the content of contaminated wastewater.
- Inform health professionals, property owners, and the public about harmful properties and related problems of water pollution and contaminated wastewater.
- Review and evaluate applications for registration of products containing dangerous materials, or for pollution control discharge permits.
- Conduct research on hazardous waste management projects to determine the magnitude of problems and treatment or disposal alternatives and costs.
- Maintain and repair materials, work sites, and equipment.
- Participate in the development of spill prevention programs and hazardous waste rules and regulations, and recommend corrective actions for hazardous waste problems.
- Prepare data to calculate sewer service charges and capacity fees.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Adirondack Curriculum Project Adirondack Challenges Lesson Plans
The Adirondack Curriculum Project Adirondack Challenges Lesson Plans are called challenges because it is hoped that you will create student-centered constructivist oriented learning experiences that will challenge your students and allow them to learn about the Adirondacks while preparing to meet the New York State Learning Standards. Many lesson plans are given in a variety of content areas.
Learn MoreAdirondack Curriculum Project Teacher Workshops
The Adirondack Curriculum Project conducts workshops for K12 teachers. The variety of workshops are hands-on, collaborative, and model the ?Adirondack Challenge.? Experienced presenters, resource people, and teacher/facilitators lead the workshops. ACP goal is for each participant to leave with a challenge to use in the classroom that will both meet NYS Learning Standards and help students learn about the Adirondacks.
Learn MoreESF S.C.I.E.N.C.E.: Summer Camps Investigating Ecology in Neighborhood and City Environments
ESF SCIENCE exposes Syracuse middle school students to science and environmental education. Through summer environmental camps, students are involved in programs that emphasize urban ecology and urban ecosystems that are relevant to their lives, a critical key for cultivating and sustaining interest in science during the middle school years and beyond.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Protection Agency Environmental Kids Club
The EPA Environmental Kids Club is their web site for kids, ages 4 to 10. It will help you explore your environment and learn how to protect it. Games, pictures, and stories are included with a focus on air, water, garbage and recycling, plants and animals.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Protection Agency Environmental Student Center
The EPA Environmental Student Center is their web site for students, grades 5 to 8. Learn how science works in our environment every day. Here you'll find science activities, environmental concepts and tips
Learn MoreEnvironmental Protection Agency High School Environmental Center
The EPA Environmental High School Environmental Center is their web site for students, grades 9 to 12. This portal to EPA environmental resources will inform you about environmental issues and help you protect the environment.
Learn MoreGlobal Warming Facts and Our Future
Is the climate warming? Are humans causing climate warming? What effects might climate warming have? The National Academies provide scientific information to help us make informed decisions and to help answer these important questions. The activities include the exploration of the changing CO2 concentrations over the past century, climate models and CO2 emissions calculator.
Learn MoreKidsgardening: Helping Young Minds Grow
National Gardening Association is a leading national provider of K12, plant-based educational materials. The Kidsgardening programs, projects, thematic explorations and guides help children gain knowledge in science, literacy, social studies, nutrition, the environment, and personal skill areas such as leadership, problem-solving, and team building. Also, there are listings of grants for which teachers can write to support their gardening programs.
Learn MoreProject E.R. (Environmental Rescue)
Ecosystems are changing rapidly, and plants and animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. Because humans depend on ecosystems for food, medicine, and other natural resources, it is time for you to rescue the environment. What can you do to protect the planet and the things that live on it? To find out join Project E.R. (environmental rescue).
Learn MoreU.S. Environmental Protection Agency Teaching Center
This site is for educators who wish to teach about the environment. It offers background information on a variety of topics, lesson plans, and activities that work in and out of the classroom. You will also find information on workshops, conferences, grants, awards and a variety of other information that will assist you in your educational goals.
Learn MoreUp Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center offers 73 acres with a spectacular view overlooking Lake George in the Adirondacks. Public nature programs on a variety of topics are presented year round. Natural history exhibits featuring a diorama with native mammals and birds are housed in the museum. Watch for wildlife outdoors as you hike along one of our woodland trails. There are perennial gardens, including a butterfly garden from June to September.
Learn MoreWhat is it Like Where You Live? Biomes and Ecosystems of the World
Scientists have different ways to describe regions of the world. Plants and animals that live near you don't necessarily live elsewhere. Explore terrestrial biomes like Temperate Deciduous Forests, the Deserts, the Grasslands, the Rainforests and more and Aquatic Ecosystems such as Ponds and Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Wetlands and more at this interactive site.
Learn More