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Air Quality Specialist, Environmental Management Systems Specialist, Hazardous Waste Auditor, Inspector, Investigator, Remediation and Reclamation Specialist, Solid Waste Auditor, Water Quality Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $36.46 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $44.02 |
| Top | $49.92 |
Interest in handling materials to collect water samples and other materials for analyses; and to develop, implement and evaluate health and safety programs and strategies
Interest in analyzing data from investigations of health and safety related complaints, spills of hazardous chemicals, outbreaks of diseases and poisonings and from workplace accidents and illnesses
Interest in speaking with employers, employees and the general public to deliver training and advise on public health, environmental protection and workplace safety issues; and in initiating enforcement procedures to fine or to close establishments that contravene municipal, provincial and federal regulations
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Environmental auditors assess the management of operations in all types of businesses to ensure corporate and government standards of environmental control are being met. Their objective is to detect any existing or potential environmental compliance problems or management system deficiencies and make recommendations.
Environmental auditors may conduct compliance audits or management system audits:
Depending on their areas of specialization, environmental auditors may:
When analyzing data, researching policies and regulations, compiling audit results and preparing presentations, environmental auditors primarily work in offices. However, they visit manufacturing plants to conduct interviews, gather data and assess both indoor and outdoor operations. Inspecting industrial sites involves travel away from the office. Meeting with clients may also involve travel.
Environmental auditors need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, analyzing data, finding innovative solutions to problems and directing the work of others.
Environmental auditors must be knowledgeable about environmental management methods and techniques, related legislation and regulations, and business and industrial operations. Most have post-secondary education in environmental, scientific or engineering fields such as biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, environmental monitoring technology or environmental engineering. They may have an undergraduate degree in engineering, science, environmental law or environmental studies, or related work experience or a technical diploma specializing in environmental technology, chemical technology or engineering technology. For on-site audits, safety training may be required.
Prior to enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities. Specific courses are required for accreditation. Environmental auditors who have the authority to sign off audits are required to have a related professional designation or a university degree.
Post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, environmental monitoring and related disciplines.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
The Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) oversees the administration, evaluation and approval of ECO Canada's Environmental Professional (EP) certification.
Qualified Individuals may also pursue ECO Canada's Compliance Auditor (CEA) or Environmental Management Systems Lead Auditor (EMSLA) certifications.
The Auditing Association of Canada (AAC) offers the Provisional Environmental Auditor (PEA) certification for individuals who have formal training but lack field experience.
For more information about becoming a certified environmental professional, visit the ECO Canada website.
Environmental auditors may be employed by or work on a contract basis for:
Experienced environmental auditors may advance to supervisory and management positions.
Environmental auditors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety. In Alberta, 85% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 154 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the 154 new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for environmental auditors vary considerably depending on their qualifications and the responsibilities of the position.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $58.67 | $36.46 | $37.00 |
| Overall | $23.10 | $68.42 | $44.02 | $42.00 |
| Top | $25.00 | $80.62 | $49.92 | $47.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $129,015 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $112,760 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,227 |
| Public Administration | $95,885 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $89,167 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $85,114 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $79,355 |
| Manufacturing | $77,946 |
| Construction | $73,208 |
| Educational Services | $70,368 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $69,185 |
| Retail Trade | $64,403 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $59,224 |
| Wholesale Trade | $55,573 |
Auditing Association of Canada (AAC) website: auditingcanada.com
Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) website: cecab.org
ECO Canada website: eco.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 02, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.