Environmental Protection Specialist

Environmental Protection Specialists (EPS) play a vital role in ensuring that Hawaiʻi’s water, land, and air resources are protected from pollution and environmental harm. In the water and wastewater sector, EPS professionals help enforce environmental regulations, evaluate environmental impacts, and support compliance with state and federal laws to protect public and ecological health. Their work contributes to cleaner drinking water, healthier watersheds, and more resilient communities.

EPS professionals may work for state or federal agencies (like the Hawaiʻi Department of Health or U.S. EPA), county governments, or private consulting firms. Their responsibilities include reviewing permit applications, inspecting wastewater facilities or stormwater infrastructure, evaluating environmental reports, investigating pollution complaints, and assisting with public outreach or policy development. Many are also involved in climate adaptation, emergency response planning, and environmental justice efforts.

Education & Training

This position typically requires:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.

  • Some roles especially those involving regulation or environmental policy may require experience in environmental law, compliance auditing, or public sector work.

  • Knowledge of local environmental laws and culturally sensitive practices is increasingly valued, especially when working with communities disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards.

In Hawaiʻi, you can study at:

  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

  • University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

  • Leeward, Kapiʻolani, and other UH Community Colleges

    • Offer general education pathways that feed into UH system degrees, plus environmental studies or sustainability certificates.

    • Website: https://uhcc.hawaii.edu

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • State and federal environmental regulations (e.g., Clean Water Act, NPDES, RCRA),

  • Water quality standards and pollution control methods,

  • Environmental review processes (e.g., HEPA/NEPA),

  • Public health impacts of pollution and wastewater mismanagement,

  • Permitting and compliance procedures for wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste,

  • Local ecosystems and Hawaiian place-based environmental practices,

  • Environmental justice and community right-to-know laws.

Skill in:

  • Conducting facility inspections and writing environmental reports,

  • Reviewing environmental impact statements (EIS/EAs) and permit applications,

  • Evaluating data and detecting environmental violations or risks,

  • Communicating regulatory requirements to operators, developers, and the public,

  • Using GIS, water quality modeling tools, and lab/field equipment,

  • Managing project timelines and grant compliance.

Ability to:

  • Interpret and enforce complex environmental rules,

  • Build trust with rural and Native Hawaiian communities,

  • Work collaboratively with agencies, community groups, and cultural practitioners,

  • Participate in public hearings or outreach events,

  • Respond quickly to pollution complaints or spills,

  • Travel interisland for inspections or stakeholder engagement.

Scholarships & Opportunities