Powerful Geography
Environmental Inspector

Environmental Inspector

Environmental Inspector 

Main Topic: Environment and Society
Secondary Topic: Places and Regions 

Overview: Environmental inspectors perform on-site analysis for a variety of engineering projects and businesses. Inspectors' data-collection, reports, and recommendations provide oversight to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. While jobs do vary from project to project, most environmental inspectors can expect to perform the following duties: Assess environmental conditions in the field to evaluate potential environmental impacts from the project at handCommunicate necessary environmental controls to personnel throughout the projectInspect and document compliance with the project's' environmental requirementsPrepare daily written inspection reports that provide up-to-date and consistent written and photographic documentation of activities observed in the fieldWork independently in a fast paced environmentCommunicate effectively and professionally with project staff, contractors, clients, and other project stakeholdersAssess environmental conditions in the field to evaluate potential environmental impacts from the projectBe comfortable in a variety of indoor and outdoor settingsOperate hardware and software for data tracking and record keepingMonitor for compliance with environmental permits and authorizations. 

Environmental compliance inspectors investigate sources of pollution in order to protect the environment and the public. They also make sure that others comply with laws and ordinances at the local, state and federal level. Compliance inspectors recommend corrective measures for hazardous waste problems, check labels for accuracy and work with professionals on water pollution and wastewater prevention. An environmental compliance inspector needs to have an extensive knowledge of the natural environment as well as potential sources of pollution in the environment. They also must have the skills to collect water or wastewater for analysis. Finally, an environmental compliance inspector must keep up with current laws set by the EPA. 

Geographers at work: Physical Geographers, Environmental Geographers

Recommended College Courses: Physical Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Environmental Management, Quantitative Methods, Regional Geography, Human Geography, Waste Management  

Skills: Environmental Management, Regional Geography, Water quality analysis, political geography, hydrology, environmental analysis, water quality management. 

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Learn more about Environmental Inspector from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-science-and-protection-technicians.htm

Written by Christopher Hinojosa and Kaleigh Shuler