Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

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Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Careers / Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Summary Description


	Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Air Analyst

2.	Air Pollution Auditor

3.	Air Quality Technician

4.	Air Sampling and Monitoring

5.	Asbestos Abatement Technician

6.	Asbestos Microscopist

7.	Biological/Microbiological Lab Technician

8.	Biotechnician

9.	Chemical/Analytical Lab Technician

10.	Compliance Analyst

11.	Compliance Manager

12.	Decontamination Technician

13.	Emergency Response Technician

14.	Emergency Spill Response Technician

15.	Energy and Conservation Technician

16.	Environmental Analyst

17.	Environmental Compliance Technician

18.	Environmental Health Specialist

19.	Environmental Laboratory Technician

20.	Environmental Property Assessor

21.	Environmental Safety Specialist

22.	Environmental Sampling Technician

23.	Environmental Science Technician

24.	Environmental Scientist

25.	Environmental Specialist

26.	Environmental Technician

27.	Facility Environmental Technician

28.	Field Sampling Technician

29.	Ground Water Technician

30.	Groundwater Monitoring Technician

31.	Hazardous Material Technician

32.	Hazardous Materials Analyst

33.	Hazardous Substances Scientist

34.	Hazardous Waste Technician

35.	Industrial Ecology Technician

36.	Industrial Pretreatment Program Specialist (IPP Specialist)

37.	Infectious Waste Technician

38.	Instrumentation Chemist

39.	Laboratory Assistant

40.	Laboratory Specialist

41.	Laboratory Technician

42.	Lead-Based Paint Technician

43.	Leaking Underground Storage Tank Remover (LUST Remover)

44.	Mobile Lab Technician

45.	Natural Resource Technician

46.	Pollution Control Technician

47.	Process Environmental Technician

48.	Process Laboratory Specialist

49.	Public Health Sanitarian

50.	Public Health Sanitarian Technician

51.	Radon Inspector

52.	Regulatory Affairs Specialist

53.	Remediation Technician

54.	Sample Prep Technician

55.	Sanitarian

56.	Sanitarian Specialist

57.	Smog Technician

58.	Smoke Tester

59.	Soil Analyst

60.	Solid Waste Analyst

61.	Solid Waste Landfill Technician

62.	Solid Waste Technician

63.	Source Control Inspector

64.	Surface Water Technician

65.	Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility Technician (TSDF Technician)

66.	Waste Minimization Technician

67.	Waste/Materials Exchange Specialist

68.	Wastewater Analyst

69.	Wastewater Treatment Plant Chemist

70.	Water Analyst

71.	Water Purification Chemist

72.	Water Quality Analyst

73.	Water Quality Specialist

74.	Water Quality Technician

75.	Water Treatment Specialist

Job Tasks

	Develop testing procedures or direct activities of workers in laboratory.

	Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.

	Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.

	Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.

	Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.

	Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.

	Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.

	Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.

	Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock to determine concentration of pollutants.

	Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.

	Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.

	Discuss test results and analyses with customers.

	Conduct standardized tests to ensure materials or supplies used throughout power supply systems meet processing and safety specifications.

	Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.

	Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.

	Respond to and investigate hazardous conditions or spills, or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.

	Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.

	Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.

	Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.

	Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.

	Distribute permits, closure plans, or cleanup plans.

	Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.

	Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.

	Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs.

	Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.


		record test results, test procedures, or inspection data

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.


		adhere to safety procedures

		perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting

		inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance

		inspect waste disposal or treatment facilities for regulatory compliance

		ensure compliance with government regulations

		determine negligence or violation of laws or regulations

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		compile numerical or statistical data

		develop tables depicting data

		measure, weigh, or count products or materials

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		collect scientific or technical data

		obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers

		collect statistical data

		collect geographic or physical data

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.


		monitor atmospheric or meteorological processes

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		make decisions

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use chemical testing or analysis procedures

		use chemical processing emergency procedures

		use government regulations

		use hazardous materials information

		use health or sanitation standards

		follow infectious materials procedures

		use interpersonal communication techniques

		use interviewing procedures

		use hazardous disposal techniques

		use pollution control techniques

		use scientific research methodology

		follow safe waste disposal procedures

		follow microbiology procedures

		use knowledge of medical terminology

		use knowledge of investigation techniques

		use knowledge of materials testing procedures

		use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems

		use physical science research techniques

		use quantitative research methods

		use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations

		use knowledge of metric system

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		recognize public safety hazards

		understand properties of gases or liquids

		examine biological or other material specimens under microscope

		identify properties of soil or water samples

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.


		analyze biological research, test, or analysis data

		analyze scientific research data or investigative findings

		analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings

		conduct field research or investigative studies

		conduct laboratory research or experiments

		conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses

		conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses

		analyze ecosystem data

		measure air quality

		test air to detect toxic gases

		test air quality, noise, temperature, or radiation

		conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials

		conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds

		test materials or solutions

		determine the effects of pollution

		perform tests to assess compliance with standards

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.


		use computers to enter, access or retrieve data

		use relational database software

		use spreadsheet software

		use word processing or desktop publishing software

		develop or maintain databases

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.


		explain complex mathematical information

		explain rules, policies or regulations

		explain government rules or policies

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		operate industrial or nondestructive testing equipment

		use precision measuring tools or equipment

		use biological testing instruments

		use microscope

		use laboratory equipment

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.


		communicate technical information

		confer with scientists

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy

		collect samples for testing

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.


		create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts

		determine specifications

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.


		enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.


		issue licenses or permits

		maintain records, reports, or files

		prepare reports

		prepare safety reports

		prepare technical reports or related documentation

		prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.


		calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification

		set up or calibrate laboratory equipment

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.


		advise clients or customers

		recommend improvements to work methods or procedures

		recommend action to ensure compliance

		advise enforcement personnel on environmental standards

		advise governmental or industrial personnel

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.


		draw maps or charts

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.


		develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards

		develop plans for programs or projects

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.


		direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff

		direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Science Technicians
	Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to assist in research and development and to help invent and improve products and processes. However, their jobs are more practically oriented than those of scientists. Technicians set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions. They must keep detailed logs of all of their work. Those who perform production work monitor manufacturing processes and may ensure quality by testing products for proper proportions of ingredients, for purity, or for strength and durability.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Science Technicians
	Science technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Most work indoors, usually in laboratories, and have regular hours. Some occasionally work irregular hours to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours. Production technicians often work in 8-hour shifts around the clock. Others, such as agricultural, forest and conservation, geological and petroleum, and environmental science and protection technicians, perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.

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Interesting Fact

Thomas Edison not only invented electric light, he also invented wax paper, the phonograph (and record), the radio vacuum tube, the motion picture camera, an electronic voting machine and dozens more!

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