BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasEnvironmental Compliance Inspectors

O*NET · 13-1041.01

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.

Also called Agricultural Chemicals Inspector · Agricultural Chemicals Registration Specialist · Air Permitting and Enforcement Inspector · Air Pollution Inspector · Authorized Inspector · Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) · CESSWI · City Sanitarian
37 more

Compliance Analyst · Compliance Coordinator · Compliance Investigator · Compliance Representative · Compliance Representative Dealer · EH & S · Enforcement Officer · Environmental Advisor · Environmental Compliance Coordinator · Environmental Compliance Engineer · Environmental Compliance Inspector · Environmental Compliance Manager · Environmental Compliance Specialist · Environmental Compliance Technician · Environmental Field Specialist · Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S) · Environmental Inspector · Environmental Protection Specialist · Environmental Quality Analyst · Field Examiner · Field Investigator · Hazardous Waste Management Specialist · Hazardous Waste Specialist · Health Inspector · Industrial Waste Inspector · Permit Specialist · Pesticide Control Inspector · Property Preservation Specialist · RCRA Enforcement Officer · Regulatory Analyst · Regulatory Compliance Specialist · Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Enforcement Officer (RCRA Enforcement Officer) · Sanitation Inspector · State Inspector · Toxics Program Officer · Waste Management Specialist · Water Pollution Control Inspector

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code CIR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Food Scientists and Technologists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CIRConventional · Investigative · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.84
  • I Investigative4.77
  • R Realistic4.57
  • E Enterprising3.21
  • S Social2.35
  • A Artistic1.05

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent10%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree15%
  • Bachelor's Degree75%
Related work experience
None (25%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (40%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Listeningbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Monitoringbasic3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Learningbasic3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem Solving3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Systems Evaluation3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Operations Monitoring3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Quality Control Analysis3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
Show the other 23
  • Social Perceptiveness3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Systems Analysis3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Sciencebasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Instructing3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Mathematicsbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Negotiation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service Orientation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operation and Control2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Analysis2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Troubleshooting2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Technology Design1.80.9
  • Programming1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.8
  • Management of Material Resources1.60.6
  • Equipment Maintenance1.1—
  • Equipment Selection1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

15 core · 11 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.4.7
  2. Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.4.7
  3. Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.4.5
  4. Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.4.5
  5. Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.4.5
  6. Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.4.5
  7. Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.4.4
  8. Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.4.3
  9. Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized and proper safety protocols implemented.4.3
  10. Examine permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.4.2
  11. Prepare written, oral, tabular, and graphic reports summarizing requirements and regulations, including enforcement and chain of custody documentation.4.1
  12. Observe and record field conditions, gathering, interpreting, and reporting data such as flow meter readings and chemical levels.4.1
Show the other 14
  1. Determine sampling locations and methods, and collect water or wastewater samples for analysis, preserving samples with appropriate containers and preservation methods.3.9
  2. Research and keep informed of pertinent information and developments in areas such as EPA laws and regulations.3.7
  3. Participate in the development of spill prevention programs and hazardous waste rules and regulations, and recommend corrective actions for hazardous waste problems.3.2
  4. Inspect waste pretreatment, treatment, and disposal facilities and systems for conformance to federal, state, or local regulations.4.3
  5. Analyze and implement state, federal or local requirements as necessary to maintain approved pretreatment, pollution prevention, and storm water runoff programs.4.0
  6. Evaluate label information for accuracy and conformance to regulatory requirements.3.8
  7. Respond to questions and inquiries, such as those concerning service charges and capacity fees, or refer them to supervisors.3.7
  8. Inform health professionals, property owners, and the public about harmful properties and related problems of water pollution and contaminated wastewater.3.6
  9. Perform laboratory tests on samples collected, such as analyzing the content of contaminated wastewater.3.6
  10. Research and perform calculations related to landscape allowances, discharge volumes, production-based and alternative limits, and wastewater strength classifications, making recommendations and completing documentation.3.6
  11. Review and evaluate applications for registration of products containing dangerous materials, or for pollution control discharge permits.3.5
  12. Maintain and repair materials, work sites, and equipment.3.3
  13. Conduct research on hazardous waste management projects to determine the magnitude of problems and treatment or disposal alternatives and costs.3.3
  14. Prepare data to calculate sewer service charges and capacity fees.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English Language4.24.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Law and Government4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Computers and Electronics3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Chemistry3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Customer and Personal Service3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Mathematics3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Public Safety and Security3.03.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Biology2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Administration and Management2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Education and Training2.83.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administrative2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Physics2.52.8
  • Building and Construction2.42.6
  • Mechanical2.42.7
  • Geography2.32.8
  • Design2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Production and Processing2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Communications and Media2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Transportation1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Psychology1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Telecommunications1.80.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Economics and Accounting1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Sales and Marketing1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Food Production1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.31.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Philosophy and Theology1.30.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Problem Sensitivity4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.8Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Flexibility of Closure3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Near Vision3.93.9
Show all 52
  • Written Expression3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Information Ordering3.84.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Category Flexibility3.64.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Speech Clarity3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Perceptual Speed3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Far Vision3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Number Facility3.13.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory Attention2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Originality2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speed of Closure2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Memorization2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
  • Time Sharing2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.9
  • Depth Perception2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Control Precision2.12.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Multilimb Coordination2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Spatial Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Trunk Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Static Strength2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Manual Dexterity1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Rate Control1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Sound Localization1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Stamina1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Glare Sensitivity1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.80.9
  • Peripheral Vision1.80.9
  • Night Vision1.60.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.5
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.5
  • Explosive Strength1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.74.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Getting Information4.64.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.44.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Working with Computers4.43.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.34.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Processing Information4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.93.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.42.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Training and Teaching Others3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing and Building Teams3.22.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.92.7
  • Thinking Creatively2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.82.7
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.82.9
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.0

Technology

27 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot

Hot (10; 3 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Salesforce software
  • SAP software
  • UNIX
Other tools (14)
  • Database software
  • DQO-PRO
  • Environmental Knowledge and Assessment Tool EKAT
  • Field Operations and Records Management System (FORMS) II Lite
  • Fully Integrated Environmental Location Decision Support FIELDS
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • HRS Quickscore
  • Mass Flux Toolkit
  • Monitoring and Remediation Optimization System MAROS
  • Rapid Assessment Tools R.A.T.
  • Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance SADA
  • Sustainable Management Approaches and Revitalization Tools SMARTe
  • Tibco Scribe Software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
  2. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
  3. Environmental Engineers
  4. Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  5. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
  6. Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
  7. Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
  8. Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
  9. Regulatory Affairs Specialists
  10. Compliance Managers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.