Environmental Compliance Specialist-Athens, GA

The State of Georgia's Environmental Protection Division is seeking Environmental Compliance Specialists for its Athens, GA office. The role involves evaluating compliance with environmental laws, conducting inspections, and providing technical assistance. Candidates must have a relevant bachelor's degree. The position requires fieldwork and may involve overnight travel. The salary ranges from $41,600 to $50,336, with continuous recruitment ongoing until December 31, 2025.
Additional Information
• Agency Logo:
• Requisition ID: REG04DO
• Number of Openings: 40
• Advertised Salary: $41,600 - $50,336
• Shift: Day Job
• Posting End Date: Dec 31, 2025

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division engages in continuous recruitment for Environmental Compliance Specialists.

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) protects and restores Georgia’s environment. We take the lead in ensuring clean air, land and water. With our partners, we pursue a sustainable environment that provides a foundation for a vibrant economy and healthy communities. EPD is responsive, effective and efficient. Associates are valued and empowered to use their expertise and creativity as leaders in protecting Georgia’s environment. EPD’s Air, Land and Watershed Protection Branches, in concert with its seven District Offices, serve the public by implementing state laws, rules, and policies to protect human health and the environment; apply and enforce environmental laws and standards in a consistent, fair, and timely manner; and are proactive, results-oriented, and help develop new approaches to meet Georgia’s environmental challenges.

District Offices (Statewide)

The District Offices are responsible for conducting inspections, compliance and enforcement actions, and in certain capacities for permitting of assigned facilities. District offices are also responsible for investigating complaints involving land protection, water supply, air quality, water quality and erosion and sedimentation. The District Offices oversee compliance for facilities such as landfills, waste water treatment facilities, public water systems, construction sites and other industrial activities. The work performed in the District Offices is very dynamic and often involves coordination with one or more of the three branches of EPD.

There are District Offices located throughout the State of Georgia, with each District covering many counties. This continuous recruitment pool is assigned to the Athens, GA (Clarke County) East Central District Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under supervision, evaluates programs for compliance with environmental laws, rules, and regulations and recommends monitoring and corrective action / enforcement actions. Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: collect samples in accordance with established procedures; investigate complaints; provide environmental education and technical assistance; perform inspections, interviews, technical reviews and make recommendations for enforcement actions as needed; conduct facility audits and inspections; review permit applications against permit requirements and regulations; and draft correspondence and/or permits in accordance with rules, regulations and established procedures. Field work and occasional overnight travel may be required.

Based on education and experience, the selectee will be hired into one of the below mentioned job codes. Salary is commensurate with education and experience in compliance with State Personnel Board Rules.

Minimum Qualifications

RCP020 – Environmental Compliance Specialist 1

Entry Salary $41,600

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology or other closely related field from an accredited college or university.

RCP021 – Environmental Compliance Specialist 2

Entry Salary $45,760

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology or another closely related field from an accredited college or university AND two (2) years of professional job-related experience in environmental protection; OR One (1) year of experience at the lower level Environmental Compliance Specialist 1 (RCP020) or position equivalent.

RCP022 – Environmental Compliance Specialist 3

Entry Salary $50,336

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology or other another closely related field from an accredited college or university AND three (3) years of professional job-related experience in environmental protection; OR one (1) year of experience the lower level Environmental Compliance Specialist 2 (RCP021) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to Entry Qualifications, Preferred Qualifications may be added by the agency.

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, physics, geology, engineering, or other closely related field from an accredited college or university.