U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 1

Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012

Careers in Environmental

Remediation

James Hamilton

Cleaning up the environment is an important focus 

of the green economy. Sites that are polluted because of industrial activity, the use of pesticides 

and fertilizer, or the release of other pollutants must be 

cleaned up in order to redevelop them or return them to 

their natural state. 

Prior to the enactment of modern environmental regulation, many companies simply released hazardous materials into the environment. They would dump chemicals 

and other pollutants onto unused land or into lakes, rivers, 

and streams. Sites also would become polluted through 

accidents or improperly functioning equipment. Polluted 

sites that can be cleaned and redeveloped are known as 

brownfield sites.1

Environmental professionals use a number of technologies to clean up polluted sites, a process known as environmental remediation. Many companies specialize in environmental remediation, and they employ a wide variety 

of workers. This report provides information on careers 

in environmental remediation. The first two sections describe types of remediation and some of the technologies 

used in the remediation process. The final section profiles 

key occupations in environmental remediation. The information for each occupation includes a brief job description; the credentials needed to work in these occupations, 

such as education, training, certification, or licensure; and 

wage data.

What is environmental 

remediation?

Environmental remediation is the removal of pollution or 

contaminants from water (both ground water and surface 

water) and soil. These waste products are removed for 

the protection of human health, as well as to restore the 

environment. Remediation restores brownfield sites either 

for redevelopment or to return them to their natural state. 

Sites that have been used to dispose of hazardous waste 

James Hamilton is an economist in the Office of Occupational 

Statistics and Employment Projections, BLS. James is available at 

(202) 691-7877 or hamilton.james@bls.gov.

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

BLS

September 2012 — Report 8
Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2

present a unique challenge to clean up. Many of these sites, 

known as Superfund sites, fall under federal regulations 

and are overseen by the Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA). The EPA coordinates the cleanup of these 

sites, requiring the responsible party either to perform 

the cleanup or reimburse the government for EPA-led 

cleanups.2

 Environmental remediation is highly regulated 

and subject to an array of legal requirements, which are 

generally based on assessments of human health and 

environmental risks.

Remediation projects can range from large, expensive projects, on which a great deal of effort is spent to 

clean up contaminated sites, to smaller, less costly projects, such as cleaning up a highway accident in which oil 

is spilled. In some cases, a site is so contaminated that it 

can only be fenced off and isolated as much as possible 

from the rest of the environment. Remediation projects 

usually begin with a site assessment to determine the 

costs of the project, as well as the technology that would 

be the most appropriate for the particular site.

Types of environmental 

remediation

Environmental remediation is carried out on various environmental media, including soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water. This article classifies remediation 

according to whether it is done on water or soil. Water remediation includes both groundwater and surface water, 

whereas soil remediation includes topsoil, subsoil, and 

sediment. Soil and water remediation may be conducted 

separately or together, depending on the type and extent 

of the pollution.

Water remediation is the process of removing contaminants from water. Surface water in lakes, streams, and 

rivers can be directly contaminated by pollutants released 

directly into the water or by runoff from the ground. 

Groundwater, which is the underground water that saturates porous material, can become polluted by contaminants seeping through the soil and sediment above it. The 

majority of the population of the United States depends 

upon groundwater as a source of drinking water and for 

agricultural use. Many areas have experienced groundwater pollution from waste materials that were disposed 

of or stored incorrectly on land, where they percolated 

into the soil and were eventually carried down into the 

groundwater. Groundwater pollution also has occurred as 

the result of industrial practices such as mining or drilling for natural gas and oil.

Soil remediation refers to strategies that are used to purify and revitalize the soil. Soil contamination is caused 

by many of the same factors that cause groundwater contamination. Often, the soil and groundwater are contaminated from the same source and both must be remediated at the same time. Soil contamination can result from 

chemical spills, industrial activity, and the use of certain 

fertilizers and pesticides.

Environmental remediation may also be classified as 

in-situ or ex-situ. In-situ remediation methods treat the 

contamination on the site without removing soil, while 

ex-situ remediation involves excavating soil or sediment 

and treating it, before returning it to its original state.

Environmental remediation 

methods

Environmental remediation uses a wide variety of technologies and methods for cleaning up contaminated areas. The methods used at a particular site depend on the 

type and extent of the pollution, as well as the characteristics of the site itself. Areas where pollution has seeped 

deep into the ground and groundwater require different 

methods than areas where a small amount of chemical 

has been spilled on the topsoil. There are many different 

remediation methods, and new technologies are regularly 

being developed. This section briefly describes a few of 

the technologies and methods of remediation. 

Site assessment and mapping

Prior to beginning a remediation project, the site in question must be assessed to ascertain what types of contaminants are involved and to determine the most appropriate technologies for cleaning it up. Assessments must 

be made to identify any potential hazards to the workers 

who will be working on the project and to assess the impact that pollution might have on the local community, 

as well as its overall environmental impact. A site assessment also includes estimates of potential costs and 

needed resources. 

In the assessment, the site is mapped to determine 

its physical characteristics, its overall size, and the location of contaminants. Once the site is thoroughly mapped 

and the scale of the cleanup operation is determined, the 

organization performing the cleanup must comply with 

local, state, and federal regulations, which typically 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 3

Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012

require a detailed plan for the operation of the site. Environmental remediation is heavily regulated by a number of government organizations, so cleanup crews must 

work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure that requirements are met.

Excavation and dredging 

Excavation involves removing contaminated soil or other 

materials from a site. This is the most common form of 

soil remediation. The process can be as simple as hauling the soil away and replacing it with uncontaminated 

soil, or it might involve more complex processes such 

as aeration (the circulation of air through a substance) or 

bioremediation (described later in the bioremediation section). If soil is contaminated with pollutants that cannot 

be safely removed, such as radioactive or nuclear waste, 

the soil is excavated, placed into secure containers, and 

hauled off to a secure storage facility.

Dredging is the removal of underwater sediments. 

This is done with special equipment operated from the 

shoreline, or from barges and ships. A dredge is a device 

for scraping or pumping solid material from the bottom of 

rivers, lakes, and other bodies of fresh or salt water. 

Pump and treat

Pump and treat involves pumping contaminated ground 

water out of the ground and purifying it before returning it 

to the ground. A vacuum pump brings water to the surface, 

where it is treated with a variety of techniques, depending 

on the type of contamination. If the water is contaminated 

with petroleum products, for example, the water is treated 

with activated carbon, which binds with the chemicals in 

a solid form and allows them to be separated from the water. The water might also be run through various types of 

filters to remove certain contaminants, or be treated with 

biological agents. Another technique used to clean polluted groundwater is air stripping, during which certain 

contaminants are vaporized and sucked into an airstream 

to be separated and removed.

Solidification and stabilization 

Solidification involves adding materials to a site that bind 

to certain contaminants. Although this does not remove 

the contaminants from the environment, it prevents the 

contamination from spreading to a wider area or from 

potentially contaminating groundwater. For example, a 

remediation project would mix contaminated soil with 

cement to form a solid block, trapping pollutants and preventing rain from spreading contamination over a wider 

area.

Stabilization uses materials that react chemically 

with contaminants. These materials alter the makeup of the contaminant and make it either less hazardous or easier to contain or remove by binding with 
Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 4

contaminants and preventing their spread. Stabilization is 

often used on sites that are contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury.

Oxidation

Oxidation technologies use strong oxidants, which 

increase the oxygen content of the soil or ground water.

In this process, a chemical oxidant such as hydrogen 

peroxide is pumped into the ground, where it mixes with 

the groundwater and soil to break down certain chemicals 

before being pumped back to the surface. In some cases, 

oxidation is used to increase the oxygen content of the 

soil or groundwater, enhancing the growth of naturally 

occurring bacteria and other microbes. These organisms 

help to break down certain types of chemical pollution.

Soil vapor extraction

Soil vapor extraction is a remediation technique that purifies the soil and groundwater at the same time. Air or 

steam is injected into the ground by a system of blowers and injection wells. The vapors are then extracted and 

treated as necessary. Soil vapor extraction is used to treat 

a variety of contaminants, especially petroleum products.3

Bioremediation 

Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms to remove 

pollutants from the soil or water. This is done either by 

treating contaminated materials at the site or by removing 

contaminated materials that are then treated elsewhere. 

Different microorganisms are used to remove contaminants and are usually uniquely suited for certain types of 

chemicals. Among these microorganisms may be fungi, 

bacteria, or certain plant species. Bioremediation is in 

common use for oil spills, because microorganisms are 

extremely effective in breaking down many of the chemicals found in oil. This technique is often much less expensive than other technologies, but usually takes longer to 

fully decontaminate a site.

These and other methods or technologies in 

environmental remediation are described in further detail 

in the Citizens Guide series from the Environmental 

Protection Agency.4

Environmental remediation 

occupations

Several types of workers are involved in each step of a 

remediation project. Managers oversee the project at each 

stage. Business specialists who work in environmental 

remediation are experts in regulation issues, cost estimation, or public relations. Cartographers and photogrammetrists create maps and charts of the contaminated areas. Scientists and engineers determine the most effective 

methods of cleaning up a site and perform tests to determine the extent of the contamination and to monitor the 

progress of the remediation project. Construction workers 

and operators of various types of heavy equipment carry 

out the day-to-day work on the project. 

Workers in environmental remediation might be employed by companies in architectural, engineering, and 

related services industries; by management, scientific, 

and technical consulting firms; or by state, local, or federal government agencies.5

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have 

data specifically for workers in environmental remediation. However, BLS does have information on jobs associated with producing green goods or providing green services from its Green Goods and Services (GGS) survey. 

The survey found that there were 284,889 GGS private 

sector workers in the Waste Management and Remediation Services Industry in the United States in 2010.6

 The 

data include waste management and recycling workers, in 

addition to those working solely in environmental remediation. An alternative study of green jobs by the Brookings Institution counted 56,241 jobs in remediation in 

2010.7

Management and business specialist 

occupations

Management and business specialists handle the administrative work of an environmental remediation project. 

These people are typically office workers who plan and 

organize remediation projects, as well as those who supervise the workers cleaning up a site.

Compliance officers are specialists in the various local, 

state, and federal laws and regulations involved in environmental remediation. Remediation is highly regulated, 

so these specialists must be aware of pertinent regulations 

and ensure that whoever is managing the project is in 

compliance with them. In addition, remediation work can 

be hazardous, so the compliance officer must ensure that 

workers follow safety regulations.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 5

Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012

Construction managers coordinate and supervise many of 

the on-site operations. They oversee construction workers and heavy-equipment operators to ensure a productive 

and safe work environment. They make sure that jobs are 

completed on time and on budget with the right amount of 

tools, equipment, and materials. Many managers also are 

responsible for obtaining necessary permits and licenses. 

They often are responsible for multiple projects at a time.

Cost estimators collect and analyze data to estimate the 

time, money, resources, and labor required for a remediation project. They make allowances for wasted material, 

bad weather, delays, and other factors that can increase 

the costs of the project. Cost estimators use sophisticated 

computer software, including databases, simulations, and 

mathematical programs. Frequently, a project is compared 

with similar projects to provide estimates.

Emergency management directors coordinate responses 

to emergencies. They might be called to manage the response to unforeseen events, such as an oil spill or a release of hazardous materials. They coordinate the emergency response to these incidents and begin planning for 

cleanup and management of the incident.

Natural sciences managers supervise scientific professionals involved in a remediation project. Because remediation involves a variety of technologies, many scientists 

from different disciplines might be involved in these projects. Natural science managers oversee and coordinate 

the efforts of these different scientists.

Public relations specialists are responsible for keeping 

the public informed about remediation projects. This is 

especially important if an accident such as an oil spill has 

caused an area to be polluted. Public relations specialists 

compile information given to them from others working 

on the project and present it to the public in a clear and 

concise way. They deal with members of the media and 

the general public to answer questions and provide information.

Credentials 

Compliance officers have a bachelor’s degree in business 

or a related field, plus knowledge of relevant laws and 

regulations. Compliance officers also typically undergo 

moderate-term on-the-job training lasting from 1 month 

to 1 year. Cost estimators usually enter the field with a 

bachelor’s degree in math, accounting, or a related field. 

Public relations specialists also typically need a bachelor’s degree, plus excellent written and verbal communications skills. They also need moderate-term on-the-job 

training.

Construction managers typically require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in construction management, 

or business management with experience in construction. 

Other construction managers do not have a degree, but 

have moved into the position through work experience, 

though this is becoming less common. Natural sciences 

managers typically have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in one of the natural sciences plus several years 

of work experience as a scientist. Emergency management directors typically need at least a bachelor’s degree 

plus several years of relevant work experience. They also 

need a year or more of on-the-job training.

Emergency management directors typically need at 

least a bachelor’s degree plus several years of relevant 

work experience. They also need a year or more of onthe-job training. Natural sciences managers typically 

have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in one of 

the natural sciences plus several years of work experience as a scientist. 

Public relations specialists also typically need a 

bachelor’s degree plus excellent written and verbal communications skills. They also need moderate-term onthe-job training.

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the environmental remediation industry. The table that follows 

shows wages for selected management and business specialist occupations in the waste management and remediation services industry group for May 2011. The wages 

shown are median annual wages for the United States as 

a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Selected management and business 

specialist occupations

Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Compliance officers $60,370

Construction managers 89,920

Cost estimators 67,680

Emergency management directors 77,690

Natural sciences managers 96,710

Public relations specialists 62,190

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6

Science occupations

Science workers perform studies of the areas that will be 

remediated and help to determine the best ways to conduct the remediation. They perform tests to see which 

pollutants are present at a remediation site and determine 

the most effective technology for removing or remediating each pollutant. These scientists might spend time outdoors studying the site or have technicians perform the 

site work. They might spend time in a laboratory testing 

soil or water samples collected at potential remediation 

sites.

Occupations in scientific research and development 

have become increasingly interdisciplinary, and as a result, it is common for scientists and engineers to work 

together as part of a team. 

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and 

physical composition of living things and biological 

processes such as cell development, growth, and heredity. 

They use laboratory instruments and equipment to conduct scientific experiments and analysis. Biochemists and 

biophysicists study the biological effects of pollutants and 

the effect of these pollutants on the local environment. 

They also study organisms that are used in bioremediation.

Chemists study the structures, compositions, reactions, 

and other properties of substances. They investigate the 

characteristics of chemicals that have caused a site to be 

contaminated and those used to remediate the site. When 

new chemicals are introduced into the soil or water for the 

purposes of remediation, chemists must ensure that those 

chemicals do not cause additional harm and will be effective in the removal of pollution.

Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers in researching, developing, and producing chemical products 

and processes. They assist chemists and other scientists 

with testing chemical pollutants or with processes for 

cleaning them up. They might help with experiments on 

chemical processes, as well as helping to compile and interpret test results and analyses.

Conservation scientists oversee the overall land quality of 

remediation sites. They work with landowners and government agencies to devise ways to improve the land and 

safeguard the environment. They evaluate data on soil 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 7

Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012

and water quality and assess damage to the land from pollution. They help to monitor the remediation process.

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. 

Environmental scientists have a broad knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics. They work to reclaim lands 

and waters that have been contaminated by pollution and 

work with other scientists and engineers to determine the 

most effective and safest ways to clean up a site.

Environmental science and protection technicians conduct laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment 

and investigate sources of pollution. They also conduct 

tests during the process of remediation to determine the 

progress of the remediation project.

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the land. They 

determine the makeup of the soil and the underlying geology of the area. They work with other scientists and specialists to determine the effects and extent of pollution 

and the techniques that would be the most economical for 

remediation.

Hydrologists study water and the water cycle. They determine the water cycle at a contaminated site and the overall effects of pollution on the local water supply. They 

study ground water, as well as local water sources such as 

rivers, lakes, and streams, to monitor the flow of contaminants across different bodies of water. Pollutants can seep 

into the ground and pollute the ground water and then can 

move into streams, rivers, and lakes, where they might 

eventually end up in sources of drinking water.

Microbiologists study the growth, development, and other 

characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, 

algae, and fungi. Bioremediation techniques require the 

use of microorganisms to remove contaminants, and microbiologists determine which organisms would be best 

for a particular site. They also monitor the progress of 

the site as the bioremediation is carried out, collecting 

samples and analyzing them.

Credentials 

Entry-level education for scientist occupations varies 

from an associate’s degree for technicians to a Ph.D. 

for biochemists and biophysicists. Hydrologists typically need a master’s degree to enter the occupation. A 

bachelor’s degree may be sufficient to enter some of the 

scientist occupations, but a master’s or Ph.D. is typically 

required to conduct research. Scientists must have a variety of skills and important qualities. Computer skills are 

essential for the majority of scientists because computers 

are used heavily for data analysis and integration, digital 

mapping, remote sensing, and the construction of computer models. Scientists must also have excellent written and verbal communications skills, because they must 

present their findings to other members of a remediation 

team, including those without a science background.

Environmental science and protection technicians and 

chemical technicians typically need an associate’s degree 

or comparable postsecondary education. Programs are 

offered at technical or community colleges and involve 

classes in mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry, 

as well as a significant amount of laboratory time to learn 

how to use various instruments and techniques.

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the environmental remediation industry. The table that follows 

shows wages for selected science occupations in the waste 

management and remediation services industry group for 

May 2011. The wages shown are median annual wages 

for the United States as a whole; wages vary by employer 

and location.

Selected science occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Biochemists and biophysicists2 $79,230

Chemists 58,860

Chemical technicians 41,620

Conservation scientists2 59,530

Environmental scientists and 

specialists, including health 64,670

Environmental science and protection 

technicians, including health 45,720

Geoscientists, except hydrologists 

and geographers 67,030

Hydrologists2 75,680

Microbiologists2 65,230

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

2

 Wage data for biochemists and biophysicists, conservation 

scientists, hydrologists, and microbiologists are not available 

for the waste management and remediation services industry 

group. The data here represent wages for the occupation as 

a whole. 
Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8

Engineering and mapping occupations

Engineers who work in environmental remediation devise 

technical solutions for cleaning up pollution. They work 

closely with scientists and other remediation workers to 

implement the best methods for remediating polluted areas. They also might be responsible for developing methods to increase safety and to reduce the risk of illness and 

injury for a company’s employees. 

Engineers are employed by a variety of organizations, 

including businesses, government agencies, and consulting firms. Most work in offices or laboratories, but they 

might travel frequently to remediation sites. 

Cartographers and photogrammetrists measure, analyze, 

and interpret geographic information to create maps and 

charts. The maps and charts detail areas of contamination, 

as well as the physical characteristics of the site where 

remediation will be carried out. Cartographers and photogrammetrists usually work in offices, but might also 

travel to the field to collect data.

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, 

biology, and physics to develop remediation techniques. 

Much contamination is chemical in nature, and many remediation technologies use chemical processes to deal 

with contaminants.

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to solve 

environmental problems. They work to control pollution, 

clean up polluted areas, and monitor the progress of remediation projects. 

Environmental engineering technicians carry out the 

plans that engineers develop. They test, operate, and, if 

necessary, modify equipment that is used for the cleanup 

of environmental pollution. They might collect samples 

for testing, or work to mitigate sources of environmental 

pollution. They might also assist in the inspection of the 

site for compliance with regulations.

Health and safety engineers develop procedures and design systems to keep people from getting sick or injured 

and to keep property from being damaged. They combine 

knowledge of health or safety with systems engineering 

techniques to make sure that chemicals and other products are not harmful. In remediation projects, they ensure 

that workers are safe from contaminants.

Mining and geological engineers use geology to evaluate 

potential remediation sites. They study the geology of the 

local area and work with geoscientists and other scientists 

and engineers to determine the most effective techniques 

for remediating a particular area.

Credentials

Cartographers and photogrammetrists require a bachelor’s degree in geography, engineering, or physical science. Some states require cartographers and photogrammetrists to be licensed as surveyors, and some states have 

specific licenses for photogrammetrists.

Engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in 

their specific engineering field. Many engineers are certified as a professional engineer (PE), a certification that 

requires several years of work experience as well as 

passing written exams. Employers also value practical 

experience, so many engineers start out assisting more 

senior engineers, and with experience, they take on more 

responsibility and more complex projects. 

Environmental engineering technicians typically have 

an associate’s degree from a technical or community college. 

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the environmental remediation industry. The table that follows 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 9

Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012

based dredges or those mounted on barges or ships to remove material that is then either disposed of or treated to 

remove hazardous materials.

Earth drillers operate machinery that is used to drill into 

the earth. Because many remediation techniques involve 

drilling deep into the ground to remove pollution in the 

groundwater or below the top layers of soil, drills are used 

to reach the deep layers of rock and sediment underground. 

Drillers are needed for pump-and-treat techniques and are 

used occasionally for other techniques when the pollution 

has seeped deep underground.

Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators 

use machines equipped with scoops or shovels. They dig 

sand, earth, or other materials and load them onto conveyors or trucks for treatment or transport to disposal sites.

Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of materials that are flammable, corrosive, reactive, 

or toxic. They are responsible for cleaning up sites that 

shows wages for selected engineering and mapping occupations in the waste management and remediation services industry group for May 2011. The wages shown are 

median annual wages for the United States as a whole; 

wages vary by employer and location.

Construction and material-moving

occupations

Construction and material-moving workers operate the 

machinery that is used onsite in a remediation project. 

These workers might be exposed to contaminants and 

might be required to wear safety gear such as chemical 

protective suits and breathing apparatus. 

Construction laborers do many of the basic tasks on remediation sites. These workers do physically demanding 

work, such as removing debris and possible hazards, loading and unloading materials, digging trenches, and operating machinery. Construction laborers are used when 

there is no danger of exposure to dangerous chemicals or 

when the site has been made safe for them to work. If the 

site is contaminated to the point where it poses a health or 

safety hazard to other workers, it will be decontaminated 

by hazardous materials removal workers.

Dredge operators excavate waterways. They remove 

sand, gravel, or rock from bodies of water that have

become contaminated. They might operate from landSelected engineering and mapping 

occupations

Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Cartographers and photogrammetrists2 $55,970

Chemical engineers 101,040

Environmental engineers 81,970

Environmental engineering technicians 41,310

Health and safety engineers, except 

mining safety engineers and 

inspectors

 75,770

Mining and geological engineers, 

including mining safety engineers2 84,300

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

2

 Wage data for cartographers and photogrammetrists and 

for mining and geological engineers are not available for 

the waste management and remediation services industry 

group. The data here represent wages for the occupation as 

a whole. 
Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 10

are severely contaminated and must be made safe for 

other workers to enter. They might deal with sites that 

have chemical, biological, or even radioactive waste and 

must wear special suits and respirators to keep them safe 

from these materials. They must be familiar with the procedures for handling and disposing of certain types of 

hazardous waste.

Operating engineers and other construction equipment 

operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used in remediation projects. They work with one or 

several types of power construction equipment and might 

operate excavation and loading machines equipped with 

scoops, shovels, or buckets that dig sand, earth, gravel, or 

similar materials.

Credentials

These construction and material-moving workers require 

on-the-job training to become competent in their occupations. Construction laborers and dredge operators generally undergo on-the-job training that lasts 1 month or less 

and do not need formal education. Excavating and loading machine operators also do not need formal education, 

but typically have prior work experience as construction laborers or construction equipment operators. They 

typically undergo moderate-term on-the-job training that 

can last between 1 month and 1 year. Equipment operators and earth drillers typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and also require moderate-term on-thejob training. 

Hazardous materials removal workers typically enter 

the occupation with a high school diploma or the equivalent and are required by the federal government to complete formal training programs, such as an OSHA-certified 

HAZWOPER training course that lasts approximately 40 

hours. They also need to be trained in the proper handling 

and disposal of hazardous materials and in any safety 

equipment they might be required to use, such as respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus.

Wages

BLS currently does not have wage data specific to the 

environmental remediation industry. The table that follows shows wages for selected construction and material 

moving occupations in the waste management and remediation services industry group for May 2011. The wages 

shown are median annual wages for the United States as a 

whole; wages vary by employer and location.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 11

Green Jobs: Environmental Remediation

September 2012

Selected construction and material 

moving occupations

Median annual 

wages, May 20111

Construction laborers $34,600

Dredge operators2 33,530

Earth drillers, except oil and gas 44,550

Excavating and loading machine and 

dragline operators 38,860

Hazardous materials removal 

workers 37,440

Operating engineers and other 

construction equipment operators 38,910

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

2

 Wage data for dredge operators are not available for the 

waste management and remediation services industry group. 

The data here represent wages for the occupation as a 

whole. 

Conclusion

Environmental remediation is an important sector of the 

green economy. Whether polluted through years of industrial activity or by inadvertent releases of contaminants, 

land areas and bodies of water must be remediated to restore them to their natural state or to make them suitable 

for redevelopment. 

Remediation occupations require a broad range of education and experience levels. Although some of the occupations mentioned in this article require at least a bachelor’s degree, there are many opportunities for individuals 

with less than a college degree and for those with a wide 

variety of work experience and knowledge. 

As polluted sites continue to be identified, there will 

continue to be demand for remediation workers.

Notes

1 Brownfields and Land Revitalization (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 2012), http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/

basic_info.htm.

2 Basic Information, Superfund (U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, 2012), http://www.epa.gov/superfund/about.htm.

3

 Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) (U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, 2001), http://www.epa.gov/oust/cat/SVE1.HTM.

4 A Citizen’s Guide to Soil Excavation (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 2001), http://www.clu-in.org/products/

citguide.

5 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, Bulletin 17-2081, 

Environmental Engineers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 

2011), with collaborating data from other OES designations in 

environmental remediation.

6

 Green Goods and Services (GGS) Survey (U.S. Bureau of 

Labor Statistics, 2012), table 3, http://www.bls.gov/news.

release/ggqcew.t03.htm.

7 Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green 

Jobs Assessment (Washington, DC, The Brookings Institution, 

2011) p.20.