This post provides complete information on the job description of a senior environmental specialist, to help you learn what they do.
It presents the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities that majorly make up the senior environmental specialist work description in most organizations, as well as templates employers can use.
This article also shows typical requirements that applicants seeking the senior environmental specialist role are expected to meet to be employed by most recruiters.
What Does a Senior Environmental Specialist Do?
The senior environmental specialist is a professional that helps an organization check the impact of its activities on the environment.
He/she is responsible for identifying environmental issues, recommending solutions, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations with respect to environmental hazards.
They find employment in power plants or chemical plants, energy, and petrochemical company, manufacturing plants, etc.
The senior environmental specialist job description entails functioning as a liaison with local, state, and federal agencies, and with customers.
It also involves taking responsibility for the implementation and maintenance of the company’s Environmental Management System (EMS) for the effective deployment of environmental programs.
Senior environmental specialists are responsible for developing and executing programs to ensure regulatory compliance obligations are fulfilled in a cost-effective manner, and that environmental risks are successfully managed.
They are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and managing environmental data, including air quality permitting and emissions data management, stormwater/NPDES/Industrial discharge programs, hazardous materials/waste management, over-water transfer of oil, etc. and preparing environmental reports for regulatory submissions and other environmental media.
They are also responsible for communicating requirements to site employees, contractors, and customers, as well as supervising the work activities conducted by a team of environmental technicians.
To work as a senior environmental specialist, individuals must have exceptional knowledge of the environment and natural sciences.
It is also crucial that they have excellent communication skills.
Senior Environmental Specialist Job Description Example/Sample
The senior environmental specialist provides subject matter expertise in coordinating and maintaining company policies, adhering to local, state and federal environmental, health and safety regulations.
The job description example above shows the major tasks, duties, and responsibilities a senior environmental specialist commonly performs:
- Responsible for the review and revision of HSE guidelines and procedures
- Direct regulatory agency site visits and audits
- Perform internal HSE audits
- Oversee a variety of environmental compliance efforts related to air, water, waste, and wetland regulations
- Serve as safety field support
- Prepare and review periodic reporting, including Annual Criteria & Toxics Emissions Reporting, Greenhouse Gas, TSCA, Tier II, State, and Federal Waste, Discharge Monitoring, SPCC, RMP, and other applicable environmental compliance reporting
- Supervise and organize site waste sampling, profiling, and other disposal processes in compliance with state and federal waste regulations
- Responsible for ensuring appropriate tracking and evaluation of safety and environmental compliance assurance activities and information
- Oversee safety & environmental training for employees at all levels
- Serve as Emergency Response Team member and assist with facility emergencies and drills.
Senior Environmental Specialist Requirements – Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
If you are seeking the job of a senior environmental specialist, you will be expected to meet certain requirements to be qualified for hiring. Here are the major ones:
- Education: Applicants for the senior environmental specialist position are required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Engineering, Sustainability, Biology, or Chemistry or other physical or biological sciences, combined with extensive environmental experience. But a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Biology, Chemistry or other related discipline may be preferred
- Knowledge: A senior environmental specialist must have in-depth knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations relating to environmental matters. A prior hands-on knowledge coordinating complex projects/regulatory action is also useful. It is also vital that they undertake initial and annual refresher training in hazardous waste management (RCRA), have an understanding of ISO 14001 and experience in auditing of requirements
- Computer Skills: It is also vital that they have advanced computer-based skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Data Analysis Skills: Their job may also require them to collect and analyze environmental data, so it is beneficial for them to be skillful in analyzing, comparing, and interpreting data
- Communication Skills: Senior environmental specialist must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills to liaise with regulatory agencies, and provide reports, and to discuss/present technical information to junior-level and senior leadership. It is a crucial skill necessary for effective interaction with the diverse workforce and sometimes customers
- Problem-solving Skills: The senior environmental specialist serves as an emergency response expert and is responsible for identifying environmental issues and proffering solutions before they become a huge cost to the organization. So it is vital that they have an aptitude to solve problems and resolve conflicts quickly.
Senior Environmental Specialist Job Description Template
Here are senior environmental specialist job description templates employers can simply edit and use in their job postings to attract the best talents to their companies:
TEMPLATE 1.
Position Title: Senior Environmental Specialist
Reports To: Environmental Manager / Director of Environmental Services / Compliance Manager
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company Overview
[Your Organization Name] is committed to environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and sustainable operational practices. We work to protect natural resources while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Our team collaborates closely with internal departments, regulatory agencies, and community partners to achieve high environmental performance and continuous improvement.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Senior Environmental Specialist to lead environmental programs, ensure regulatory compliance, conduct technical assessments, and support sustainability initiatives. This role serves as a subject matter expert and plays a key part in environmental planning, permitting, reporting, and risk mitigation.
The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, advanced environmental regulatory knowledge, and the ability to manage complex projects with minimal supervision.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations (EPA, OSHA, state environmental agencies).
- Prepare, review, and submit required environmental permits, reports, and documentation.
- Conduct regulatory inspections and audits to ensure adherence to environmental standards.
- Track environmental performance metrics and maintain compliance records.
Environmental Program Management
- Lead programs related to air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, stormwater, spill prevention, and environmental health.
- Develop, implement, and maintain environmental management systems (EMS).
- Monitor compliance with permits such as NPDES, SPCC, SWPPP, RCRA, Title V, etc.
- Oversee waste management, recycling, and pollution prevention initiatives.
Environmental Monitoring & Assessment
- Conduct site assessments, sampling, testing, and analysis of environmental data.
- Evaluate potential environmental impacts of operations and new projects.
- Develop corrective action plans and recommend improvements.
- Manage environmental risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
Training & Communication
- Train staff on environmental policies, safety protocols, spill response, and regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the primary environmental contact for internal departments and regulatory agencies.
- Communicate findings, recommendations, and compliance updates to leadership.
Project Management & Technical Support
- Lead or support environmental projects, sustainability initiatives, and remediation efforts.
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, and safety teams on environmental requirements.
- Provide technical guidance during construction, expansion, or facility upgrades.
- Review and approve environmental aspects of contracts, designs, and operational plans.
Incident Investigation & Response
- Lead investigations of environmental incidents, spills, or permit deviations.
- Develop and oversee corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Support emergency response teams and coordinate with agencies during incidents.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Experience with environmental permitting, compliance monitoring, and audits.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Proficiency in environmental software, GIS tools, monitoring equipment, and data analysis.
- Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams.
Education & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or related field required.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in environmental compliance, consulting, regulatory work, or environmental management.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CHMM, CES, QEP, ISO 14001 Lead Auditor) preferred but not required.
- Experience in industrial, manufacturing, energy, government, or environmental consulting sectors is highly valued.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without requiring employer sponsorship.
TEMPLATE 2.
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Specialist to lead environmental compliance efforts, manage regulatory programs, and support sustainability initiatives. This role ensures our organization meets federal, state, and local environmental requirements while driving continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee environmental compliance programs (air, water, waste, stormwater, spills).
- Prepare and submit permits, reports, inspections, and audits.
- Conduct site assessments, sampling, data analysis, and monitoring.
- Lead environmental training and communicate requirements to staff.
- Support environmental projects, sustainability initiatives, and corrective action plans.
- Investigate environmental incidents and coordinate with regulatory agencies.
- Provide technical guidance to operations, engineering, and leadership teams.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 5+ years of environmental compliance or environmental management experience.
- Strong knowledge of EPA, state, and local regulations.
- Experience with permits (e.g., NPDES, RCRA, SPCC, SWPPP).
- Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
- Relevant certifications (CHMM, QEP, ISO 14001 Lead Auditor) a plus.
Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your resume to [Insert Email or Job Link].
Senior Environmental Specialist Job Description for Resume
If you are writing a resume as someone with working experience as a senior environmental specialist, you can create a compelling professional experience section for your resume by applying the sample job description above.
You can apply the senior environmental specialist duties and responsibilities presented above in effectively describing your functions in the work or professional experience section of your resume.
(Learn how to make an effective resume applying the Employer-focused Resume Writing Technique)
Conclusion
To hire a senior environmental specialist, recruiters need to publish the job description for interested individuals to respond to.
To write the job description that perfectly matches the senior environmental specialist position in your organization you can apply the job description templates provided on this page.
You can also apply this article to increase your knowledge of what senior environmental specialists do if you are interested in the career.
