Environmental Science Technician
Environmental Science Technicians play a crucial role in monitoring and addressing environmental pollution. They conduct tests in laboratories and field settings to assess air, water, and soil quality, often utilizing advanced instruments and technology to measure pollution levels. A significant part of their work involves compliance with environmental regulations, waste management, and the management of hazardous materials. These technicians operate in a variety of environments, including manufacturing facilities and governmental agencies, and they often collaborate with environmental scientists and regulatory officials.
Typically requiring an associate's degree, individuals in this field can expect a median yearly salary of around $50,660, with job growth projected at 6%, indicating a faster-than-average outlook. Their responsibilities include collecting samples, running experiments, maintaining detailed records, and ensuring compliance with government standards. Workers in this field may face health risks due to their exposure to pollutants and often work irregular hours, especially during urgent environmental assessments or disasters. Overall, Environmental Science Technicians are essential in promoting public health by preventing and mitigating environmental hazards.
Environmental Science Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Health Science, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Science, mathematics, environmental issues, research, data analysis
Earnings (Median Yearly): $50,660 per year $24.35 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Associate's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Environmental science technicians conduct tests in the laboratory and in the field to assess the levels and sources of air, water, and soil pollution. They set up and monitor experiments and calculate and record results using complex instruments, including state-of-the-art monitoring and testing equipment. Technicians are involved in regulatory compliance, waste management, and hazardous material management and control operations. Using the samples they collect at polluted sites, they assist in the location and elimination of pollution sources. Environmental science technicians typically work for scientific and technical services businesses, environmental consultants, and state and federal government agencies.
Work Environment. Much of the work performed by environmental science technicians is conducted in laboratories, although these technicians also take samples directly from field sites. They frequently work in teams alongside environmental scientists. Technicians work with and around a wide range of technical equipment and systems at manufacturing facilities, refineries, military installations, and other sites that produce and emit pollution. Because of their direct work with pollution and environmental hazards, environmental science technicians are faced with potential health risks during the course of their work. They may work irregular hours, particularly when monitoring an ongoing issue or conducting a time-consuming experiment.
Occupation Interest. Environmental science technicians work to halt pollution before it affects the health of the general public. In many cases, environmental science technicians are sent to scenes of environmental disasters such as oil spills in order to assess the extent of environmental damage caused and to begin a course of action to contain and mitigate those issues. In other situations, environmental science technicians play an ongoing role in analyzing airborne emissions, wastewater discharge, and groundwater quality to comply with government environmental quality standards.
In addition to the potential for intervening in or preventing an environmental disaster, environmental science technicians use the latest in detection and sampling technology as well as advanced computers to analyze and record pollution levels.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Environmental science technicians frequently work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations. They take air, water, and/or soil samples from areas affected by the waste emissions of a business, municipality, or government facility. Returning to the laboratory, technicians will set up and operate analytical and monitoring equipment to provide a clear study of those samples. They conduct experiments, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions that are then used by the environmental scientists with whom they work. In the course of their daily activities, environmental science technicians maintain a detailed log of all experiments and operations conducted in the laboratory. They also run maintenance tests on the equipment to ensure that those devices are operating properly.
Many environmental science technicians are employed by companies that produce hazardous materials, waste, and airborne emissions. Many of these technicians are responsible for their companies’ waste management and hazardous materials inventory programs. They file detailed reports on these topics for submission to state and federal government agencies as required by law.
Environmental science technicians often assist in researching and developing new ways to track and prevent pollution. These innovations are based on the specific data collected during the technicians’ normal activities (as opposed to the theoretical concepts and models environmental scientists may use).
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Environmental science technicians work in laboratories, where they operate and maintain scientific equipment, and in offices, where they write reports. These facilities may be found in government agencies, manufacturing plants, private consulting firms, or at universities. Technicians work with toxic substances and waste materials; therefore, strict safety measures are enforced so that the risks associated with these pollutants are minimized.
Human Environment. Environmental science technicians often work in teams with peers as well as under environmental scientists. In their duties overseeing corporate waste management and other programs, environmental science technicians will also work with executives, government compliance officers and inspectors, and internal compliance officers.
Technological Environment. A key component of an environmental science technician’s responsibilities is the use and maintenance of analytical equipment and monitoring systems. These include air samplers, flow meters, decibel meters, water samplers, and sampling pumps. They also use a wide range of computers and software, such as computer-aided design (CAD) systems, map creation software, and other analytical and modeling software. They must also use basic computer software for reports and data management, such as spreadsheets and word processing systems.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in becoming environmental science technicians should focus on science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. They should also take relevant math courses, such as geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Courses in communication can enhance aspiring technicians’ writing skills.
Postsecondary. Many environmental science technicians obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field such as engineering, environmental science, or computer science. Courses in chemistry, physics, and math are also essential, as is work in a campus laboratory.
Related Occupations
− Water and Wastewater Engineer
Bibliography
"Environmental Science and Protection Technicians." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-science-and-protection-technicians.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.