Explore a possible path

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.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
  • Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
  • Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
  • Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
  • Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
  • Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
  • Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
  • Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized and proper safety protocols implemented.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2023-11 · Machine Learning

4.6 / 7

Investigative

2023-11 · Machine Learning

4.8 / 7

Creative

2023-11 · Machine Learning

1.1 / 7

Helping people

2023-11 · Machine Learning

2.4 / 7

Enterprising

2023-11 · Machine Learning

3.2 / 7

Organizing

2023-11 · Machine Learning

5.8 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2021-08

4.0 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2021-08

4.0 / 5

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2021-08

3.9 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2021-08

3.9 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2021-08

3.9 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2021-08

3.8 / 5

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

2021-08

3.8 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2021-08

3.8 / 5

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

2021-08

3.4 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2021-08

3.4 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 4 of 5 · 2021-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Environmental Studies →

Environmental Science →

Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services →

Energy and Environmental Policy →

Environmental Geosciences →

Suspension and Debarment Investigation →

Medical Staff Services Technology/Technician →

Regulatory Science/Affairs →

Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality →

Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General →

Labor and Industrial Relations →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 13-1041.01 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.