Environmental Specialist Jobs in Michigan
Environmental Specialist jobs in Michigan are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in the automotive manufacturing sector, Great Lakes water quality management, brownfield remediation, and state and federal regulatory compliance work, with openings at every level from entry-level field technician through senior program manager. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing account for the largest share of postings, where employers like General Motors, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and Arconic have lasting hiring needs for environmental professionals. The most in-demand specialties in Michigan are air quality compliance, soil and groundwater remediation, and environmental permitting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Environmental Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Environmental Specialist jobs
- Leading and overseeing technical work for the full lifecycle of sediment projects, which may include developing site characterization, remedial investigation (RI), and feasibility study (FS) plans; overseeing multi-media sampling programs (sediment, water, biota, etc.); data interpretation (geostatistics, fingerprinting, etc.); numerical modeling (hydrodynamic, contaminant fate and transport, etc.); developing conceptual site models; evaluating and implementing remedial alternatives (dredging, capping, MNR, etc.); remedial cost estimating; and translating complex scientific findings into high quality technical written/verbal deliverables. Litigation support and expert witness experience is desirable.
- Managing projects through the full project management life cycle, including developing scopes of work, managing budgets, leading and mentoring project teams, coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams of scientist, engineers, regulators, and responsible parties, delivering high quality deliverables on time and on budget, and client management.
- Providing regulatory expertise on contaminated sediment projects (e.g.: CERCLA, RCRA, or local state programs), which may include agency negotiations.
- Leading and participating in marketing and business development activities, which may include tracking and pursuing relevant requests for proposals, developing marketing documents (quals packages, project profiles, web articles, etc.), cultivating and nurturing client and partner relationships, and actively participating at relevant conferences (e.g.: Battelle).
- For engineering applicants, an active Professional Engineer (PE) license is expected; for scientists, a Professional Geologist (PG) or related credentials would be highly valued, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards and the ability to seal technical documents.
- In addition to formal academic credentials, specialized training in hydrodynamic modeling or statistical data analysis is a significant advantage.
- Candidates must also have completed the 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification with current annual refreshers, ensuring they are qualified to oversee field activities at hazardous waste sites.
- Continuous education through participation in industry organizations, such as the Battelle Sediment Conference or ITRC technical teams, is encouraged to ensure the firm remains at the forefront of emerging remediation technologies and evolving regulatory frameworks.
- A demonstrated interest or experience in urban waterfront restoration, engineering with nature, or nature-based solutions is a plus.
- Must be legally able to work in the U.S. for any employer (proper documentation is required).
See All 15 Environmental Specialist Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Specialist JobsEnvironmental Specialist Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Specialist Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Medical Devices
- Chemicals & Materials
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental specialist jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or a closely related field
- Experience with Michigan EGLE permitting processes and environmental compliance regulations
- Familiarity with Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessment standards
- Proficiency in environmental data management, GIS mapping, or field sampling documentation
- Knowledge of federal EPA regulations including RCRA, CERCLA, and Clean Water Act requirements
- Strong written communication skills for regulatory reports and agency correspondence
Environmental Specialist Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental specialist in Michigan?
Most environmental specialist positions in Michigan require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, geology, or a related field. Michigan does not have a single universal environmental specialist license, but roles in air quality, hazardous waste, and water resources often require registration or certification through EGLE or compliance with specific federal program standards. The most valued credential for Michigan employers is the Professional Geologist or Professional Engineer licensure through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for senior technical roles.
How much do environmental specialists make in Michigan?
Environmental specialists in Michigan earn a median of about $76,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $52,300 for the lowest 10% to over $111,770 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental specialists in Michigan?
Employers hiring environmental specialists in Michigan right now include LG Energy Solution Michigan, MPHI, and Arcadis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's concentration of automotive manufacturers, state regulatory agencies, and environmental consulting firms working on Great Lakes protection and industrial brownfield sites creates consistent year-round demand across the private and public sectors.
Which Michigan cities have the most environmental specialist jobs?
Detroit, Lansing, and Midland have the most environmental specialist openings in Michigan. Detroit leads because of its dense concentration of automotive manufacturers, industrial facilities requiring ongoing compliance work, and large-scale brownfield redevelopment projects, while Lansing draws strong demand as the seat of state government and EGLE headquarters, and Grand Rapids reflects growth in manufacturing and West Michigan environmental consulting.
Are there remote environmental specialist jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're uncommon. Much of the environmental specialist role involves field sampling, site inspections, and hands-on regulatory monitoring that requires a physical presence. About 33% of environmental specialist openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and the portions most suited to remote work are data analysis, report writing, regulatory research, and environmental compliance documentation.
How can I get hired as a environmental specialist in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to environmental technician or environmental field technician roles, which Michigan consulting firms and government agencies regularly hire for without requiring prior professional experience. EGLE and Wayne County's environmental programs offer seasonal and entry-level associate positions that build direct regulatory exposure. Completing a Phase I or HAZWOPER certification gives candidates a concrete edge, and lateral moves from roles in chemistry lab analysis, geology field work, or civil engineering support are common bridges into full environmental specialist positions.
Where can I find and apply to environmental specialist jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to environmental specialist jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across the state's industries and hiring regions. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 15 Environmental Specialist Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Specialist Jobs