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If you’ve searched for “Environmental Engineer job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over.
A bunch of lifeless bullet points.
A vague mission statement.
And a cold, corporate CTA like “Submit your CV.”
Here’s the problem:
Top candidates—especially in technical and impact-driven roles like environmental engineering—aren’t drawn to generic job posts.
They’re curious about the real work. The team behind the role.
And whether the company they’re joining actually cares about sustainability—or just says they do.
Unfortunately, most job descriptions miss the mark. They don’t speak to the right people. They don’t build trust. And they definitely don’t attract mission-aligned engineers.
So in this article, we’re going to do things differently.
We’ll break down exactly how to write an Environmental Engineer job post that actually attracts serious talent—not just keyword matchers.
We’ll walk through what the role really is, show you two strong job description templates (experienced and entry-level), explain why they work, and even give you a copy-paste version to save time.
If you want more context before diving in, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It’s a must-read if you’re tired of getting low-effort applications.
But for now, let’s get into what the Environmental Engineer role actually looks like.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
So What Does an Environmental Engineer Actually Do?
An Environmental Engineer uses science, math, and engineering principles to help protect people and the planet. They solve real-world problems—like reducing pollution, improving water and air quality, or designing sustainable waste management systems.
They’re often the bridge between policy, design, and on-the-ground impact.
That means they don’t just sit behind a desk running simulations (though that’s part of it). They might also be testing soil, visiting treatment plants, working with regulators, or helping companies stay compliant with environmental laws.
In short, they help businesses, cities, and governments operate more sustainably—without compromising safety, efficiency, or legal requirements.
And depending on your organization, this role could lean more technical (e.g. system design), regulatory (e.g. permitting and compliance), or field-based (e.g. site remediation, inspections).
That’s why hiring the right environmental engineer isn’t just about credentials—it’s about mindset. The best candidates care deeply about solving complex problems that matter. They’re collaborative, detail-oriented, and driven by impact.
Two Great Environmental Engineer Job Description Templates
✅ Experienced Environmental Engineer Job Description Template
📌 Job Title: Environmental Engineer – Help Us Design Sustainable Infrastructure Across California
🏢 Location: Sacramento, CA | Full-Time | $85,000–$105,000/year (Based on experience)
📆 Start Date: We’re ready when you are
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Here’s a short message from our Director of Engineering, Carlos Diaz, on what we’re building and why this role matters:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube video link]
🏗️ Who We Are
EcoStruct Engineering is a mid-sized, mission-driven firm specializing in sustainable infrastructure and environmental design across the western United States. From stream restoration to water reuse systems, we help cities and companies meet environmental challenges with practical, scalable engineering solutions.
We’ve partnered with public agencies, utilities, and private developers for over a decade—and we’re known for our transparency, field-proven results, and collaborative, down-to-earth team culture.
🌍 About the Role
We’re hiring an experienced Environmental Engineer to take the lead on civil and environmental projects across California. You’ll be responsible for designing sustainable systems, managing permitting and regulatory processes, and providing oversight on field operations and site investigations.
If you’re passionate about designing for both compliance and impact—and want to work with a team that shares your values—you’ll feel right at home here.
🔍 What You’ll Do
- Design water, wastewater, stormwater, and erosion control systems for public and private sector projects
- Conduct fieldwork, including site assessments, sampling, and environmental compliance inspections
- Prepare technical reports, modeling, and documentation for regulatory agencies
- Collaborate with civil engineers, environmental scientists, and project managers
- Stay updated on California environmental regulations and permitting standards
- Represent the firm in client meetings and public stakeholder sessions when needed
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of experience in environmental or civil engineering
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering or related field
- Knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and state/local permitting requirements
- Strong skills in CAD, GIS, or environmental modeling tools
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- PE license is a plus but not required
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You won’t be boxed into a narrow role here. You’ll have the autonomy to lead your own projects, give input across disciplines, and work with a supportive team that values impact over politics.
We run lean, prioritize smart communication, and are growing fast—so there’s room for leadership, career growth, and mentorship.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary + annual performance bonus
- 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible PTO policy (take the time you need, no accrual cap)
- Professional development budget + paid training and certifications
- Monthly wellness stipend + field gear reimbursement
- Optional 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make hiring more transparent and fair. Instead of just sending a résumé, you’ll complete a short, role-specific evaluation to help us understand your strengths.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
🟢 Entry-Level Environmental Engineer Job Description Template
📌 Job Title: Junior Environmental Engineer – Start Your Sustainability Career with TerraSolve
🏢 Location: Phoenix, AZ | Full-Time | $58,000–$70,000/year
📆 Start Date: Flexible
🎥 Meet the Team
Want to get a feel for who you’ll be working with? Here’s a short intro from Jen Kim, our Lead Engineer and mentor for this role:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube video link]
🌱 Who We Are
TerraSolve is an environmental consulting and engineering firm helping businesses across Arizona reduce their environmental footprint. From air quality and groundwater analysis to sustainability reporting, we make environmental compliance both effective and affordable for small and mid-sized businesses.
We’re a close-knit team of scientists, engineers, and policy nerds who genuinely care about what we do—and each other. Our company culture is fast-paced but supportive, and we invest heavily in training the next generation of environmental leaders.
🌍 About the Role
We’re looking for a Junior Environmental Engineer who’s curious, self-driven, and ready to grow. You’ll be joining a team of senior engineers who will coach you, train you, and bring you along on real-world projects from day one.
You’ll learn everything from field sampling and data analysis to preparing compliance reports and communicating with clients. This is a hands-on role with real growth opportunities—no coffee runs or endless spreadsheets.
🔍 What You’ll Do
- Assist with site assessments, groundwater sampling, and environmental surveys
- Support in preparing reports, modeling data, and submitting compliance documents
- Attend client meetings and take notes for senior staff
- Learn local and federal regulations (like RCRA, EPA, ADEQ standards)
- Use AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and other tools to support field and office work
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Science
- Strong communication skills and a willingness to ask questions
- Comfortable working outdoors in different conditions
- Basic familiarity with engineering tools or willingness to learn
- Internship or academic project work is a bonus—but not required
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll get real responsibility—not busywork. We’ll support you with one-on-one mentorship, structured onboarding, and meaningful feedback to help you level up quickly. This is a role where your ideas matter and your growth is a priority.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Starting salary with room for annual increases
- Paid overtime for fieldwork
- Company-covered health insurance + optional dental & vision
- $1,500/year professional development budget
- Monthly field gear stipend
- 15 paid days off per year + company holidays
📥 How to Apply
To keep things fair and efficient, we use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants based on real-world skills.
Apply through the link below and complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Breakdown of Why These Environmental Engineer Job Posts Work
Let’s break down what makes both the experienced and entry-level Environmental Engineer job descriptions effective—not just from a structure standpoint, but also from a human, strategic one.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
- Instead of “Environmental Engineer,” you see:
- “Environmental Engineer – Help Us Design Sustainable Infrastructure Across California”
- “Junior Environmental Engineer – Start Your Sustainability Career with TerraSolve”
- “Environmental Engineer – Help Us Design Sustainable Infrastructure Across California”
These titles don’t just name the role—they communicate who it’s for and why it matters. They instantly attract candidates aligned with the mission, not just the title.
✅ 2. Warm, Contextual Introductions
Both posts start with a real introduction—not a bland company overview. They explain:
- What the company is working on
- Why this specific role matters
- What kind of projects the candidate will influence
This makes the post feel personal, not transactional—and that’s key when attracting engineers driven by impact.
✅ 3. Embedded Video Humanizes the Process
Adding a short Loom or YouTube link from the hiring manager makes a huge difference. It shows:
- There are real people behind the post
- The company is transparent and communicative
- The tone and vibe of the team
Even a 60-second video makes your company 10x more memorable to candidates.
✅ 4. Real “About Us” Sections (Not Placeholders)
Instead of instructing people to write about their company, each post includes a fully written, specific “Who We Are” section that:
- Reflects company values
- Gives a quick sense of company size and mission
- Uses warm, human language (e.g. “we’re a close-knit team,” “down-to-earth culture”)
This helps candidates immediately self-assess fit—and builds emotional connection fast.
✅ 5. Responsibilities Are Framed Around Impact
Rather than a lifeless task list, responsibilities are:
- Descriptive, not dry (“Lead site investigations” vs. “Do site work”)
- Framed around outcomes and purpose
- Organized for easy scanning
Candidates want to know how their work fits into the big picture, and these sections make that clear.
✅ 6. Candidate Requirements Are Clear—but Flexible
Both posts include:
- Must-haves and nice-to-haves
- Encouragement to apply even without every listed skill (especially for the entry-level version)
This inclusive language prevents great candidates from disqualifying themselves too early—particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds.
✅ 7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Is Its Own Dedicated Pitch
These sections aren’t just filler—they give genuine reasons someone would want this job:
- Autonomy and ownership
- Mentorship and growth
- Purposeful projects and ethical clients
- Room for leadership or long-term career development
It’s written like a conversation, not a corporate brochure.
✅ 8. Perks & Benefits Are Clear, Realistic, and Role-Specific
Rather than a vague “competitive compensation,” candidates see:
- Exact or approximate salary ranges
- Specific perks tied to the job (e.g. 9/80 schedules, field gear stipends)
- Health benefits, PTO, and development support
This builds trust, sets expectations, and reduces friction.
✅ 9. The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Transparent
Both posts explain:
- How candidates will be evaluated (via WorkScreen)
- That every applicant will be reviewed
- What to expect next
No “we’ll only contact shortlisted candidates” brush-offs here. That human touch is rare—and candidates remember it.
✅ 10. The CTA Feels Like an Invitation—Not a Demand
Rather than saying “Submit your CV,” the post ends with:
“Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation…”
It’s low-pressure, warm, and efficient. It tells candidates what to do and why it’s worth their time.
Example of a Bad Environmental Engineer Job Description (And Why It Fails)
This example shows what a generic, outdated post looks like—and why it fails to attract serious candidates.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
📌 Job Title: Environmental Engineer
🏢 Company: Global Environmental Solutions
📍 Location: Not Specified
💼 Job Type: Full-Time
📅 Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Environmental Engineer to oversee and implement environmental compliance and sustainability programs. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills and a good understanding of environmental regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct site visits and inspections
- Prepare technical documentation and reports
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and guidelines
- Coordinate with teams and stakeholders
- Attend meetings and present findings
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or related field
- 3–5 years’ experience
- Familiarity with environmental software
- Excellent written and verbal communication
How to Apply:
Send your résumé and cover letter to hr@globalenvironment.com.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Job Title Is Vague and Flat
It just says “Environmental Engineer”—with no context, specialization, or mission. Is this for water? Air quality? Sustainability? The title gives no clue who this is for or why the job matters.
2. The Introduction Feels Cold and Generic
“Seeking an experienced engineer…” is not a hook—it’s a formality. There’s no mission, no mention of real-world impact, and no emotional connection. Candidates scroll right past posts like this because they feel templated and outdated.
3. There’s No Mention of Salary or Benefits
When you leave out compensation, serious candidates assume one of two things:
- The pay is below market
- The company lacks transparency
Either way, you lose trust.
4. The Responsibilities Are Too Broad
“Conduct site visits” and “coordinate with teams” could apply to a dozen different roles. There’s no detail, no impact, and no real insight into what the day-to-day looks like.
5. No Culture, No Team, No Vision
There’s no information about:
- What the company does
- What kinds of projects the engineer will work on
- Who they’ll work with
- What values guide the work
In a field like environmental engineering—where purpose matters—this omission is critical.
6. The Hiring Process Is Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is a huge red flag. It signals that the company doesn’t value applicants’ time or effort. Top candidates expect a professional, respectful process—and this line communicates the opposite.
7. The CTA Is Cold and Uninspired
“Send your résumé to HR” is a weak finish. It doesn’t invite engagement. It doesn’t reassure. It doesn’t show interest in the candidate. It simply checks a box.
✅ The Bottom Line:
This job post might technically “cover the basics,” but it doesn’t sell the role. It doesn’t speak to the values, aspirations, or motivations of great engineers. And because of that, the best candidates will never apply.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Environmental Engineer Job Post Stand Out
These are the subtle but powerful details that separate an average job post from one that actually attracts top-tier candidates.
✅ Tip 1: Include a Security / Privacy Notice
With the rise in recruitment scams and identity theft, it’s a small but powerful move to reassure applicants that your process is legitimate and secure.
You can add something like this near the end of your job post:
🔒 We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.
This builds trust and shows you care about candidate safety.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Environmental engineers often balance fieldwork, travel, and documentation-heavy workloads. Mentioning time off (even just a few days) shows that you value work-life balance—and that goes a long way.
Here’s a line you can adapt:
🌴 Enjoy up to 20 days of PTO annually, including floating holidays and flex time to recharge after big project deadlines.
✅ Tip 3: Call Out Training & Growth Opportunities
Especially in technical roles, candidates want to know they’ll grow. If you offer professional development, licensing support, or mentorship, say so.
Example:
🎓 We invest in growth. You’ll have access to a $1,500/year development budget, paid certifications, and one-on-one mentorship from senior engineers.
✅ Tip 4: Add a Loom or YouTube Video from the Hiring Manager
If you haven’t already included a video, this single addition can dramatically improve application rates. A 60-second message from a team lead gives candidates a glimpse into your company’s personality and tone—and it makes the job feel real.
Even a casual message like this works:
👋 “Hi, I’m Jordan, the Director of Environmental Engineering here. In this role, you’ll be working directly with me on our water quality projects across Northern California. If you’re excited about using engineering to solve big environmental challenges—we’d love to meet you.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Add a Line That Speaks to Mission-Driven Engineers
Top environmental engineers often care just as much about the why as the how. So speak directly to that motivation.
Example:
🌍 If you’re someone who believes engineering can (and should) be a force for environmental good—you’ll feel right at home here.
AI Caution – How to Use It the Right Way When Writing Job Posts
With so many AI tools available today, it’s tempting to just click a button and have your job post written for you. Even some hiring platforms like Workable, Manatal, and Breezy HR now offer one-click AI-generated descriptions.
But here’s the thing…
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
Using AI without real input might save you a few minutes upfront, but it almost always leads to a generic, low-quality job post.
Here’s what usually goes wrong:
- You end up with lifeless language that sounds like every other company out there
- It attracts passive or misaligned applicants who are just mass-applying
- It reflects poorly on your brand (especially for roles that value mission and impact)
Most importantly, it misses the human voice. Your company’s story, your tone, your team—those can’t be faked or auto-filled.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI (If You Use It at All)
AI can be helpful—as long as you treat it like an assistant, not a replacement. The key is to feed it context first.
Before prompting ChatGPT or any AI tool, gather your raw ingredients:
- What your company actually does
- What this role is responsible for
- What your team culture feels like
- What type of person would thrive here
- What benefits and salary you’re offering
- What your hiring process looks like
Then prompt it with something like:
💡 “Help me write a job post for our company, TerraSolve. We’re hiring a Junior Environmental Engineer to support water quality, permitting, and fieldwork projects. Our culture is collaborative, purpose-driven, and hands-on. We’re looking for someone who’s curious, detail-oriented, and passionate about environmental impact. We offer $58K–$70K/year, paid field training, health benefits, and a development stipend. Here’s the structure I want to follow [paste notes here]…”
You can also paste in notes you’ve drafted yourself and ask AI to refine the tone, improve clarity, or reorganize the layout—but the core message should always come from you.
🧠 Final Rule of Thumb:
Don’t ask AI to write your job post from scratch. Ask it to help you polish a post you’ve shaped.
If you wouldn’t trust AI to pitch your company to a potential investor, don’t let it be the first voice a candidate hears.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Environmental Engineer – Make an Impact Through Purpose-Driven Design
🏢 Company: [Company Name]
📍 Location: [City, State or Remote]
💼 Job Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: [Insert Range]
🎥 Meet Your Future Manager:
[Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
🌍 Who We Are
At [Company Name], we help businesses and municipalities solve complex environmental challenges—whether that’s designing water treatment systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, or leading site remediation projects.
We’re a collaborative, mission-driven team that cares about building real-world solutions with integrity and sustainability at the core.
🛠️ What You’ll Do
- Design and implement environmental engineering solutions (e.g. stormwater, wastewater, site remediation)
- Lead assessments and compliance reviews
- Coordinate with clients, agencies, and cross-functional teams
- Translate environmental data into actionable reports
- Contribute to long-term sustainability strategy
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years in environmental or civil engineering
- Degree in Environmental Engineering or related field
- Familiarity with environmental laws and permitting
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Experience with CAD or GIS tools is a plus
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll have ownership over meaningful projects
- You’ll work with a team that values collaboration and real-world impact
- You’ll join a company that promotes from within and supports long-term career growth
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary + bonus
- Full health, dental, and vision coverage
- Professional development budget
- Paid time off and flexible scheduling
- Monthly wellness and field gear stipends
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to keep things fair, fast, and skill-focused.
Click below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Environmental Engineer
📍 Location: [Insert Location]
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | [Insert Salary Range]
🎥 Meet Your Future Manager:
[Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Job Brief
We’re looking for an Environmental Engineer to join our team and lead projects focused on compliance, design, and environmental impact mitigation. You’ll work on a variety of projects—from groundwater remediation to permitting—and collaborate across internal and external teams.
Responsibilities
- Conduct site inspections, environmental assessments, and technical reporting
- Design systems to reduce air, soil, and water contamination
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
- Liaise with environmental agencies and stakeholders
- Analyze lab results and environmental data
- Stay up to date with changes in environmental policy and engineering practices
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or related field
- 2+ years of relevant work experience
- Knowledge of RCRA, CERCLA, Clean Water Act, or state regulations
- Strong communication and project coordination skills
- Experience with AutoCAD, ArcGIS, or modeling software is a plus
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid holidays and flexible PTO
- Career advancement support
- Mentorship from experienced engineers
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates based on real-world skills.
Click the link below to complete your structured evaluation and help us learn more about your strengths:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase of Hiring
Writing a great job description is just the beginning.
Now comes the hard part: identifying who’s actually qualified—and who just looks good on paper.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
🔍 Quickly Identify Your Top Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🛠️ Test for Skills in One Click
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🚫 Eliminate Low-Effort or AI-Generated Applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ The Result?
You focus your time on genuine, capable, high-quality candidates—and avoid costly hiring mistakes.
If you’re serious about hiring Environmental Engineers based on skills, not guesswork
FAQ
Beyond technical qualifications, here are the key skills that matter most:
- Regulatory knowledge – Familiarity with local, state, and federal environmental laws like EPA, RCRA, and Clean Water Act compliance is essential.
- Analytical thinking – They should be able to interpret environmental data, perform risk assessments, and recommend practical solutions.
- Communication – Engineers often work with regulators, communities, and cross-functional teams—so clear writing and verbal skills are critical.
- Project coordination – The best candidates know how to manage timelines, documentation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
- Problem-solving under constraints – Environmental engineers often deal with real-world challenges where budget, time, and regulations intersect. Creative yet compliant thinking is key.
Bonus skills: GIS mapping, AutoCAD, environmental modeling tools, and field inspection experience.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and platforms like Glassdoor and Payscale, the average salary for an Environmental Engineer in the U.S. ranges between $70,000 and $95,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry.
- Entry-level: $58,000–$70,000
- Mid-level (3–5 years): $80,000–$95,000
- Senior-level or licensed PE: $100,000+
Salaries are typically higher in metropolitan areas and for roles in infrastructure, energy, or government contract projects.
While not always required, these are valuable credentials to look for:
- Professional Engineer (PE) license – especially for senior or client-facing roles
- LEED Accreditation – useful if your projects intersect with green building or sustainability design
- HAZWOPER certification – important for site remediation, hazardous waste, or emergency response projects
- GIS Certification – beneficial for engineers working on mapping, impact assessments, or land use planning
