Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
What is an Environmental Science and Protection Technician, Including Health?
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, including Health, are professionals who play a critical role in the protection of the environment and public health. They work under the direction of environmental scientists, engineers, and other specialists to monitor environmental conditions, collect samples, and analyze data related to pollutants, waste management, and potential health hazards. These technicians are essential in assessing environmental risks and ensuring compliance with regulations designed to protect natural resources and public health.
They may conduct fieldwork to sample air, water, soil, and biological materials, and they utilize various instruments and techniques to test and analyze these samples. Their work often involves preparing reports detailing their findings and ensuring that the public and regulatory agencies are informed about environmental conditions and health risks. Technicians may also be involved in community education efforts, helping to raise awareness about environmental issues and sustainable practices.
With a focus on safety and regulation compliance, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health, contribute significantly to efforts aimed at mitigating pollution, managing waste, and promoting environmental sustainability. Their work is critical in ensuring that communities remain safe from environmental threats and that ecosystems are preserved for future generations.
Tasks
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
Technology Skills
- Geographic information system
- Video creation and editing software
- Analytical or scientific software
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Computer aided design CAD software
Tools Used
- Sampling pumps
- Air samplers or collectors
- Flowmeters
- Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter
- Water samplers
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Associate's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Detailed Work Activities
- Collect environmental data or samples.
- Record research or operational data.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
- Confer with clients to exchange information.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$35800.0 - $85010.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.