Become an Environmental Compliance Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on the safety and environmental integrity of our nation’s waterways? The U.S. Coast Guard is hiring an Environmental Compliance Specialist (GS-13) to join the Heartland District. This high-level position offers a unique opportunity to shape maritime policy, enforce international treaties, and protect the marine environment.

Job Responsibilities

As an Environmental Compliance Specialist, you will be the subject matter expert regarding environmental initiatives and vessel safety. Key duties include:

Providing guidance on international treaties such as MARPOL (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) and the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act.
Developing local policies based on risk management principles.
Partnering with the maritime industry to ensure full compliance with emission control and ballast water regulations.
Conducting inspections and investigations to maintain vessel safety standards.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:

Demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
Successfully pass a Secret security clearance investigation.
Maintain a valid driver’s license.
Successfully complete a medical examination.

Comparison: General vs. Specialized Experience

Feature	General Experience	Specialized Experience
Focus	Broad professional duties	Environmental compliance & marine safety
Duration	1 year (any field)	1 year (GS-11 equivalent)
Relevance	Transferable office skills	Technical policy & inspection knowledge

Salary Overview

The GS-13 grade level offers a competitive annual salary range of $106,437 to $159,575. This compensation reflects the high level of technical responsibility required for the role.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Paid federal holidays and sick/annual leave
Tuition assistance and professional training

Application Tips

Limit your resume: The system will reject resumes over two pages.
Be specific: Detail your experience with dates (mm/yy) and hours per week.
Submit early: Don't wait until the final hour; ensure your documents are legible.

If you possess the expertise to manage complex environmental regulations and a desire to serve the public, this role with the U.S. Coast Guard offers an unparalleled professional journey. Apply today and help secure the future of our maritime environment.

Why This Environmental Compliance Specialist Job Matters

Protect our maritime environment and shape the future of vessel safety with the U.S. Coast Guard—a mission-critical role for those ready to lead in regulatory compliance.

Environmental Compliance Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking an Environmental Compliance Specialist to serve in the Heartland District. In this role, you will act as a subject matter expert on environmental regulations, including the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act and international pollution prevention treaties. This GS-13 position is ideal for experienced professionals capable of translating complex marine safety laws into actionable, risk-managed policies that protect our nation’s waterways.

Requirements for Environmental Compliance Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must hold a valid state driver's license.
Successfully pass a pre-employment medical exam.
Completion of a one-year probationary period may be required.
Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Compliance Specialist

Experience in performing inspections or investigations of vessels under environmental regulations.
Proven background in applying risk management principles to marine safety.
Expertise in interpreting international treaties such as MARPOL and APPS.
Experience providing training and technical guidance to maritime industry stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
✓Flexible Spending Accounts.
✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility.
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development training.
✓Fitness center access and wellness programs.

💡 How to Apply Environmental Compliance Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Environmental Compliance Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online questionnaire via the application portal.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on November 7, 2026.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages or fewer; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Use standard fonts and formatting (at least 10pt font, 0.5-inch margins).
Ensure your resume shows start/end dates (mm/yy) and hours worked per week.
Be specific with your accomplishments; don't just copy the job description tasks into your resume.
Double-check your transcripts—unofficial is fine for application, but legibility is mandatory.
Set aside roughly two hours for the USA Hire assessment, though many finish faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a degree required for this position?

There is no positive education requirement; however, if you use education to qualify, you must submit legible transcripts by the closing date.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths. Review the 'Who May Apply' section on USAJOBS to check your eligibility.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

The position is telework-eligible, though it is not a fully remote position. Specific arrangements are determined by the hiring manager.

What is the security level?

This position requires a Secret clearance.

Is relocation covered?

Yes, moving expenses may be paid in accordance with federal regulations.

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component, the U.S. Coast Guard, are dedicated to safeguarding our nation's maritime interests. From ports to the open sea, the Coast Guard ensures that our waters remain safe, secure, and resilient against pollution and safety hazards. By joining this team, you become a critical part of a workforce that spans the globe.