Job Description - Environmental Technician:
An environmental technician, working under the direction of an environmental scientist, monitors the environment and investigates sources of pollution by performing laboratory and field tests.
Employment Facts - Environmental Technician:
There were 35,000 environmental technicians employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Environmental Technician:
One usually needs only an associate degree or a certificate in applied science or science related technology to work in this field, but some jobs require a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology.
Other Requirements - Environmental Technician:
An environmental technician must have good organizational, analytic thinking, communication and interpersonal skills. One must be well-versed in using computers, particularly in computer modeling.
Advancement Opportunities - Environmental Technician:
Beginning environmental technicians work under the direct supervision of an environmental scientist or more senior technician. With more experience, he or she will receive only general supervision and may supervise those with less experience.
Job Outlook - Environmental Technician:
The job outlook for environmental technicians is excellent. This occupation is projected to grow faster, through 2018, than other occupations that require post-secondary training or an associate degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Earnings - Environmental Technicians:
Environmental technicians earned a median annual salary of $40,790 in 2009.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much an environmental technician currently earns in your city.
A Day in an Environmental Technician's Life:
On a typical day an environmental technician's tasks might include:
- Collecting samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, and asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels and identify sources of pollution.
- Recording test data and preparing reports, summaries, and charts that interpret test results.
- Developing and implementing programs for monitoring of environmental pollution and radiation.
- Discussing test results and analysis with customers.
- Setting up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Science Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm (visited April 27, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/19-4091.00 (visited November 19, 2010).
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