What does an environmental auditor do?

An environmental auditor is generally responsible for assessing an organization’s environmental performance to ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies. They perform audits that evaluate areas in waste management, energy consumption, pollution control, and sustainability practices. By reviewing environmental data, permits, and operational processes, they identify risks, inefficiencies, and non-compliance issues. Environmental auditors provide recommendations for improvement based on their findings and help organizations meet regulatory requirements. They also help promote sustainable practices, assisting companies in minimizing their ecological footprint while maintaining compliance with evolving environmental laws and standards.

Environmental auditor skills and qualifications

A successful environmental auditor candidate will need various prerequisite skills and qualifications for duties, including:

• Understanding environmental laws and regulations, such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and regional policies
• The ability to conduct thorough environmental risk assessments and audits to identify non-compliance and areas for improvement
• Knowledge of industry standards related to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, waste management, and pollution control
• Strong analytical skills to interpret ecological data and generate reports for regulatory bodies or internal stakeholders
• Experience in performing site inspections, evaluating environmental systems, and recommending corrective actions
• Proficiency in using environmental audit tools and technologies, including software for data tracking and reporting
• The ability to communicate data and recommendations to senior management, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders
• Holding certifications such as EP-CEA (compliance environmental auditor) or EP-EMSLA (environmental management systems lead auditor)

Environmental auditor experience requirements

Environmental auditor candidates in Canada typically need a bachelor’s in the sciences and practical experience in auditing or environmental management. Certification programs may require specific audit days or types of experience. While some employers prioritize applicants with proven experience, others offer mentorship for those early in their careers. Mentorship can help candidates transition from theoretical knowledge to hands-on auditing skills in real-world situations.

Environmental auditor education and training requirements

Environmental auditors typically have a relevant post-secondary degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field and hands-on experience in ecological assessments. Many positions also require certifications such as the Environmental Professional (EP) Auditor designation CEA or EMSLA from ECO Canada. Knowledge of regional regulations and industry-specific standards can be beneficial, particularly for air, water, and waste management. Additional certifications or memberships in professional organizations may be necessary for some roles. Government programs like the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program provide valuable pathways for individuals looking to enter the field.

Environmental auditor salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an environmental auditor in Canada is $143,464 per year. Salaries may be dependent on location, experience, and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an environmental auditor is not exactly what your business needs, consider these relevant job descriptions:

• Data scientist
• Environmental manager
• Quality inspector
• Senior quality assurance analyst