Environmental Scientist Jobs in Washington
Environmental Scientist jobs in Washington are in strong demand, concentrated in regulatory compliance, environmental remediation, and natural resource management across entry-level through senior positions. Seattle, Olympia, and Spokane drive the most hiring, with major employers including the Washington State Department of Ecology, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Tetra Tech maintaining consistent openings across the state. Water quality assessment, wetlands permitting, and hazardous waste site cleanup are the most sought-after specialties in Washington. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About Atlas
Atlas is a trusted leader in environmental and infrastructure consulting services; we provide services that enable communities to flourish and thrive. With a team of 3,500 employees and offices throughout the US, we combine local expertise and a network of relationships to deliver solutions to both public and private clients. Our services help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. We always aim for smart, safe, and sustainable results. At Atlas we understand that our future is everyone’s responsibility, and we create a better experience at every stage of a project.
Job Description
Join our team as an Environmental Compliance Inspector supporting large scale transportation and infrastructure projects in Seattle, WA. In this role, you will conduct field inspections, monitor construction activities, document environmental compliance, and coordinate with construction personnel and technical specialists to help ensure work meets applicable permit conditions, environmental commitments, and regulatory requirements. The role is, specifically, to fulfill the overnight / night shift (8 hours within the time period of 6 pm to 6 am) requirement at Portage Bay, Seattle. This will also require occasional weekend work and overtime.
This position offers hands-on experience with complex construction projects, including water quality monitoring, permitting, and technical report writing, with opportunities to develop technical expertise and advance your environmental compliance career.
Core Responsibilities
- Conduct routine and activity-specific environmental inspections at active construction sites, including during overnight work and occasional weekends.
- Inspect erosion and sediment control measures, stormwater best management practices (BMPs), and spill prevention and pollution prevention measures.
- Conduct water quality monitoring using sampling equipment, document field observations, inspection results, and potential compliance issues.
- Maintain accurate inspection records, monitoring logs, photographs, and other required project documentation.
- Identify compliance issues, document corrective actions, and communicate concerns to Deputy Environmental Compliance Manager.
- Coordinate with construction crews, engineers, environmental technical specialists, and other inspectors to support work.
- Assist with preparing technical reports, plans, permits, and compliance documentations.
- Work independently and within an active construction environment while following safety procedures.
You’ll thrive here if you have
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, geology, civil engineering, or a related field OR 4+ years of experience in environmental compliance, stormwater management, water quality monitoring, CESCL inspections, or related fieldwork.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and experience reviewing permits, environmental compliance plans, construction plans, and technical specifications.
- Experience conducting field inspections, environmental monitoring, sampling, and data collection in active construction environments and varying weather conditions.
- Strong technical writing skills with experience preparing inspection reports, tracking corrective actions, and maintaining accurate, defensible project records.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and safely navigate active construction sites while maintaining a strong safety mindset.
- Availability to work full-time overnight shifts, including weekends as required by project needs, with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Bluebeam, GIS, and other tools used to communicate and manage technical information.
- Strong relationship-building skills with experience collaborating with construction teams, clients, environmental professionals, regulatory agencies, and other project stakeholders.
- Current or previous CESCL certification preferred; HAZWOPER and First Aid/CPR certifications are highly desirable.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable commuting distance to Seattle, Washington; experience with WSDOT projects, transportation infrastructure construction, in-water work, and environmental permitting is preferred.
What you can expect from us
The A-Team Experience is our employee program focused on helping our people thrive professionally, personally and as part of a community. We trust our people to do great work and live fulfilling lives, and we provide resources that care for our people, both at work and in life:
Health & Wellness: We offer medical, dental and vision coverage with multiple plan options, including no-cost employee-only medical coverage.
Time Off & Family Support: We offer vacation time, paid holidays, sick & safety leave (SSL) and paid parental leave
Retirement: We help employees plan for the future with a 401(k) and company match.
Insurance: To provide protection and peace of mind, we offer Life, AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) and Disability insurance.
Safety Program: We are committed to safety as part of our ‘quality of life’ core value, and we provide approved PPE at no cost and reimbursement for prescription safety glasses and protective footwear.
Learning & Development: We provide clear career paths, learning resources and development programs allowing you to see how you can grow and advance within the company. We offer internal certifications on specific skills and support external credentials through tuition reimbursement.
Belonging: We support Employee Communities (ECs), voluntary, employee-led groups that create connections, belonging and shared purposes.
Flexibility: May vary by project demands and regional workloads, but we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities.
Our people and our culture are central to our work. Our values bring us together, create a sense of belonging and give us purpose. They guide how we make decisions, how we work as a team and how we serve our clients.
Life: We enhance the quality of life. We value people and safety above all else.
Heart: As our hallmark, we act with compassion, empathy, and respect.
Trust: We work together as partners, doing what we say with full accountability.
Mastery: Always striving for the highest quality, greatness inspires our work.
About the Job
- Career Level: Entry
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Compensation: $30 - $36 hourly rate
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state’s law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
EEO Statement
Atlas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants without regard to race (including hairstyles, hair texture, hair type, or hair length commonly or historically associated with race), ethnicity, creed, religion or religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions or requests for pregnancy disability leave and/or family care leave), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, primary language, crime victim status, criminal conviction history, uniformed service member or veteran status, marital status, age, genetic information, disability or protected medical condition, genetics, political affiliation or activities, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Notice to Third Party Agencies
Please note that Atlas Technical Consultants does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Atlas will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Atlas explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Atlas.
Ready to build a career to be proud of? Join the A-Team today!
#IND02
#LI-KK1
About Atlas
Atlas is a trusted leader in environmental and infrastructure consulting services; we provide services that enable communities to flourish and thrive. With a team of 3,500 employees and offices throughout the US, we combine local expertise and a network of relationships to deliver solutions to both public and private clients. Our services help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. We always aim for smart, safe, and sustainable results. At Atlas we understand that our future is everyone’s responsibility, and we create a better experience at every stage of a project.
Job Description
Join our team as an Environmental Compliance Inspector supporting large scale transportation and infrastructure projects in Seattle, WA. In this role, you will conduct field inspections, monitor construction activities, document environmental compliance, and coordinate with construction personnel and technical specialists to help ensure work meets applicable permit conditions, environmental commitments, and regulatory requirements. The role is, specifically, to fulfill the overnight / night shift (8 hours within the time period of 6 pm to 6 am) requirement at Portage Bay, Seattle. This will also require occasional weekend work and overtime.
This position offers hands-on experience with complex construction projects, including water quality monitoring, permitting, and technical report writing, with opportunities to develop technical expertise and advance your environmental compliance career.
Core Responsibilities
- Conduct routine and activity-specific environmental inspections at active construction sites, including during overnight work and occasional weekends.
- Inspect erosion and sediment control measures, stormwater best management practices (BMPs), and spill prevention and pollution prevention measures.
- Conduct water quality monitoring using sampling equipment, document field observations, inspection results, and potential compliance issues.
- Maintain accurate inspection records, monitoring logs, photographs, and other required project documentation.
- Identify compliance issues, document corrective actions, and communicate concerns to Deputy Environmental Compliance Manager.
- Coordinate with construction crews, engineers, environmental technical specialists, and other inspectors to support work.
- Assist with preparing technical reports, plans, permits, and compliance documentations.
- Work independently and within an active construction environment while following safety procedures.
You’ll thrive here if you have
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, geology, civil engineering, or a related field OR 4+ years of experience in environmental compliance, stormwater management, water quality monitoring, CESCL inspections, or related fieldwork.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and experience reviewing permits, environmental compliance plans, construction plans, and technical specifications.
- Experience conducting field inspections, environmental monitoring, sampling, and data collection in active construction environments and varying weather conditions.
- Strong technical writing skills with experience preparing inspection reports, tracking corrective actions, and maintaining accurate, defensible project records.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and safely navigate active construction sites while maintaining a strong safety mindset.
- Availability to work full-time overnight shifts, including weekends as required by project needs, with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Bluebeam, GIS, and other tools used to communicate and manage technical information.
- Strong relationship-building skills with experience collaborating with construction teams, clients, environmental professionals, regulatory agencies, and other project stakeholders.
- Current or previous CESCL certification preferred; HAZWOPER and First Aid/CPR certifications are highly desirable.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable commuting distance to Seattle, Washington; experience with WSDOT projects, transportation infrastructure construction, in-water work, and environmental permitting is preferred.
What you can expect from us
The A-Team Experience is our employee program focused on helping our people thrive professionally, personally and as part of a community. We trust our people to do great work and live fulfilling lives, and we provide resources that care for our people, both at work and in life:
Health & Wellness: We offer medical, dental and vision coverage with multiple plan options, including no-cost employee-only medical coverage.
Time Off & Family Support: We offer vacation time, paid holidays, sick & safety leave (SSL) and paid parental leave
Retirement: We help employees plan for the future with a 401(k) and company match.
Insurance: To provide protection and peace of mind, we offer Life, AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) and Disability insurance.
Safety Program: We are committed to safety as part of our ‘quality of life’ core value, and we provide approved PPE at no cost and reimbursement for prescription safety glasses and protective footwear.
Learning & Development: We provide clear career paths, learning resources and development programs allowing you to see how you can grow and advance within the company. We offer internal certifications on specific skills and support external credentials through tuition reimbursement.
Belonging: We support Employee Communities (ECs), voluntary, employee-led groups that create connections, belonging and shared purposes.
Flexibility: May vary by project demands and regional workloads, but we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities.
Our people and our culture are central to our work. Our values bring us together, create a sense of belonging and give us purpose. They guide how we make decisions, how we work as a team and how we serve our clients.
Life: We enhance the quality of life. We value people and safety above all else.
Heart: As our hallmark, we act with compassion, empathy, and respect.
Trust: We work together as partners, doing what we say with full accountability.
Mastery: Always striving for the highest quality, greatness inspires our work.
About the Job
- Career Level: Entry
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Compensation: $30 - $36 hourly rate
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state’s law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
EEO Statement
Atlas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants without regard to race (including hairstyles, hair texture, hair type, or hair length commonly or historically associated with race), ethnicity, creed, religion or religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions or requests for pregnancy disability leave and/or family care leave), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, primary language, crime victim status, criminal conviction history, uniformed service member or veteran status, marital status, age, genetic information, disability or protected medical condition, genetics, political affiliation or activities, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Notice to Third Party Agencies
Please note that Atlas Technical Consultants does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Atlas will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Atlas explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Atlas.
Ready to build a career to be proud of? Join the A-Team today!
#IND02
#LI-KK1
See All 11 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Scientist JobsEnvironmental Scientist Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Scientist Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental scientist jobs across Washington.
- Active Washington State Environmental Scientist registration through the Washington State Department of Ecology preferred
- Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, geology, or a related natural science field
- Experience conducting environmental site assessments and writing technical reports for regulatory submissions
- Familiarity with Washington State Environmental Policy Act and Ecology permitting processes
- Proficiency with GIS software for environmental data mapping and spatial analysis
- Strong written communication skills for preparing agency-ready reports and client deliverables
Environmental Scientist Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental scientist in Washington?
Most environmental scientist positions in Washington require at minimum a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, geology, or chemistry. Washington does not mandate a single statewide license for the title, but many employers and state agencies prefer candidates registered through the Washington State Department of Ecology's voluntary registration program. Candidates working on hazardous waste sites often need a 40-hour HAZWOPER certification, and those doing wetland delineation commonly pursue Society of Wetland Scientists professional certification.
How much do environmental scientists make in Washington?
Environmental scientists in Washington earn a median of about $98,300 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $71,140 for the lowest 10% to over $153,960 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental scientists in Washington?
Employers hiring environmental scientists in Washington right now include HDR, Atlas Technical Consultants, and aptim, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Washington's strong regulatory environment and active remediation pipeline mean that both state agencies and private consulting firms maintain steady, year-round hiring across the state.
Which Washington cities have the most environmental scientist jobs?
Seattle, Olympia, and Redmond have the most environmental scientist openings in Washington. Seattle anchors the largest share of roles through its concentration of engineering and environmental consulting firms, while Olympia generates consistent openings due to the Washington State Department of Ecology and other regulatory agencies headquartered there, and Spokane serves the eastern Washington remediation and natural resource sectors.
Are there remote environmental scientist jobs in Washington?
Yes, but they're rare. Environmental scientist work is largely field-based, involving site visits, sample collection, and on-site inspections that cannot be done remotely. About 67% of environmental scientist openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be data analysis, report writing, or GIS-focused roles within larger projects that still require periodic fieldwork.
How can I get hired as a environmental scientist in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through environmental consulting internships or entry-level field technician roles, which Washington firms like Tetra Tech and WSP regularly post for recent graduates. Focusing on positions titled environmental technician or field sampler builds hands-on experience quickly. Completing a 40-hour HAZWOPER certification before applying gives candidates a concrete edge. Washington State Department of Ecology also posts limited-term environmental specialist positions that are structured for early-career candidates.
Where can I find and apply to environmental scientist jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to environmental scientist jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to each one.
See All 11 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs