Environmental Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Environmental Scientist jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, with openings concentrated in environmental consulting, state and federal regulatory compliance, and industrial site remediation, at levels from entry-level field technician through senior project manager. Chicago leads hiring by a wide margin, with additional activity in Springfield and Peoria, where firms like Arcadis, Tetra Tech, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency maintain consistent presences. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include remediation and brownfield redevelopment, air quality permitting, and stormwater compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Environmental Scientist jobs
TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.
We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.
- Implement site investigation/characterization and remedial action work plans, including but not limited to collection of soil, groundwater, soil vapor, indoor air, and surface water samples; logging of soil samples utilizing a standardized soil classification system; and preparation of daily field activity reports.
- Prepare associated reports, including report text, supporting field documentation (e.g., photograph, soil boring, test pit, monitoring well construction, and well development logs), figures and tables.
- Review and interpret laboratory analytical reports.
- Coordinate and provide oversight and direction to subcontractors including remedial contractors, drillers, geophysical surveyors, and analytical laboratories.
- Support general water (NPDES) compliance project work including stormwater inspection/sample collection and SWPPP preparation. SPCC plan familiarity a plus.
- Perform Phase I ESAs.
- Assist with preparation and review draft proposals and cost estimates.
- Prepare project Health and Safety Plans.
- B.S. or B.A. in geology, environmental science or a related field required.
- 1 to 5 years of environmental consulting experience with primary focus on environmental engineering, environmental due diligence, field investigations, and sampling
- 40-hr HAZWOPER.
- Must have a Valid Driver’s License and transportation options for work in office
- Demonstrates excellence and efficiency in writing, communication, data analysis, professional judgment, and knowledge of scientific principles.
- Strong sense of responsibility and work ethic, with a desire for career growth.
- Strong quality assurance/quality control skills and detail-oriented to perform self- check of work for technical content.
- Ability to schedule and manage project assignments concurrently.
- Able to work both a collaborative team setting as well as individually.
- Working knowledge of health and safety practices.
- Conversant with Microsoft Office applications and other environmental software.
- Exposure to environmental consulting work in Chicago and NW Illinois a plus.
- Ability to work on evening or long-term field assignments a plus (estimated time away from office estimated at 30%).
Preferred Experience:
- Familiarity or experience with environmental work for DOTs or Class I rail clients.
- Familiarity with wastewater operations including basic operation and water treatment.
- Completion of 10-hr or 30-hr Construction certification would be a plus.
Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:
- Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
- 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
- Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
- All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
- TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.
- These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.
Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.
Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.
The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site.
TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.
We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.
- Implement site investigation/characterization and remedial action work plans, including but not limited to collection of soil, groundwater, soil vapor, indoor air, and surface water samples; logging of soil samples utilizing a standardized soil classification system; and preparation of daily field activity reports.
- Prepare associated reports, including report text, supporting field documentation (e.g., photograph, soil boring, test pit, monitoring well construction, and well development logs), figures and tables.
- Review and interpret laboratory analytical reports.
- Coordinate and provide oversight and direction to subcontractors including remedial contractors, drillers, geophysical surveyors, and analytical laboratories.
- Support general water (NPDES) compliance project work including stormwater inspection/sample collection and SWPPP preparation. SPCC plan familiarity a plus.
- Perform Phase I ESAs.
- Assist with preparation and review draft proposals and cost estimates.
- Prepare project Health and Safety Plans.
- B.S. or B.A. in geology, environmental science or a related field required.
- 1 to 5 years of environmental consulting experience with primary focus on environmental engineering, environmental due diligence, field investigations, and sampling
- 40-hr HAZWOPER.
- Must have a Valid Driver’s License and transportation options for work in office
- Demonstrates excellence and efficiency in writing, communication, data analysis, professional judgment, and knowledge of scientific principles.
- Strong sense of responsibility and work ethic, with a desire for career growth.
- Strong quality assurance/quality control skills and detail-oriented to perform self- check of work for technical content.
- Ability to schedule and manage project assignments concurrently.
- Able to work both a collaborative team setting as well as individually.
- Working knowledge of health and safety practices.
- Conversant with Microsoft Office applications and other environmental software.
- Exposure to environmental consulting work in Chicago and NW Illinois a plus.
- Ability to work on evening or long-term field assignments a plus (estimated time away from office estimated at 30%).
Preferred Experience:
- Familiarity or experience with environmental work for DOTs or Class I rail clients.
- Familiarity with wastewater operations including basic operation and water treatment.
- Completion of 10-hr or 30-hr Construction certification would be a plus.
Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:
- Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
- 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
- Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
- All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
- TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.
- These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.
Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.
Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.
The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site.
See All 8 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Scientist JobsEnvironmental Scientist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Scientist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental scientist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a closely related field
- Illinois EPA familiarity or experience working under Illinois environmental regulations
- Proficiency with GIS software and environmental data management platforms
- OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification or willingness to obtain before start date
- Experience conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
- Strong technical writing skills for preparing regulatory reports and agency submittals
Environmental Scientist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental scientist in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers require at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, or biology as the foundation for entry. Illinois does not mandate a single state license for the title of environmental scientist, but professionals conducting certain work, such as groundwater investigations or site remediation, often pursue registration as a Licensed Professional Geologist or Licensed Professional Engineer through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Relevant certifications like HAZWOPER and familiarity with Illinois EPA regulatory programs strengthen your candidacy considerably.
How much do environmental scientists make in Illinois?
Environmental scientists in Illinois earn a median of about $81,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,540 for the lowest 10% to over $153,150 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental scientists in Illinois?
Employers hiring environmental scientists in Illinois right now include Trileaf Corporation, GHD, and TRC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of consulting firms serving industrial clients, the Illinois EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also generates consistent openings for environmental scientists throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most environmental scientist jobs?
Chicago, Schaumburg, and Peoria have the most environmental scientist openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because it anchors the regional headquarters of major environmental consulting firms and hosts a large industrial and manufacturing base requiring ongoing compliance work, while Springfield's activity reflects state agency employment at the Illinois EPA and related regulatory bodies.
Are there remote environmental scientist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're uncommon. Environmental science work is largely field-based, involving site visits, sample collection, and on-site inspections that require physical presence. About 20% of environmental scientist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in data analysis, report writing, and regulatory review roles rather than field or remediation work.
How can I get hired as a environmental scientist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or field technician role with an environmental consulting firm, as companies like Arcadis and Tetra Tech regularly bring on recent graduates for sampling, data collection, and report support work out of their Illinois offices. Targeting entry titles such as environmental technician, environmental analyst, or junior project assistant broadens the field considerably. Completing HAZWOPER training before applying and highlighting any coursework involving the Illinois EPA's regulatory framework or GIS mapping gives candidates a tangible edge over other new graduates.
Where can I find and apply to environmental scientist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to environmental scientist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across consulting firms, government agencies, and industrial employers. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to each one.
See All 8 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs