What Do Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Do?
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Job 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.
A Day in the Life of an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
- Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
- Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
- Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
- Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.
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Things an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Should Know How to Do
When polled, Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist)
- Environmental Compliance Technician
- Water Purification Chemist
- Pollution Control Technician
- Radon Inspector
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 34,600 jobs in the United States for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,200 new jobs for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,600 positions for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician per year.
The states with the most job growth for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician are Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in South Dakota, Rhode Island, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Salary
Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians make between $28,530 and $80,130 a year.
Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians who work in Washington, Rhode Island, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $51,520 |
Alaska | $55,560 |
Arizona | $43,540 |
Arkansas | $46,190 |
California | $60,090 |
Colorado | $49,840 |
Connecticut | $50,840 |
Delaware | $37,610 |
District of Columbia | $64,370 |
Florida | $44,810 |
Georgia | $38,680 |
Hawaii | $49,650 |
Idaho | $58,190 |
Illinois | $45,840 |
Indiana | $43,860 |
Iowa | $47,950 |
Kansas | $47,760 |
Kentucky | $45,440 |
Louisiana | $52,750 |
Maine | $40,020 |
Maryland | $57,090 |
Massachusetts | $58,110 |
Michigan | $46,360 |
Minnesota | $56,020 |
Mississippi | $39,640 |
Missouri | $43,160 |
Montana | $43,230 |
Nebraska | $48,480 |
Nevada | $50,340 |
New Hampshire | $47,670 |
New Jersey | $45,720 |
New Mexico | $52,470 |
New York | $52,810 |
North Carolina | $42,810 |
North Dakota | $49,910 |
Ohio | $44,970 |
Oklahoma | $44,370 |
Oregon | $55,660 |
Pennsylvania | $45,660 |
Rhode Island | $65,730 |
South Carolina | $40,900 |
South Dakota | $28,660 |
Tennessee | $43,810 |
Texas | $46,370 |
Utah | $60,670 |
Vermont | $39,460 |
Virginia | $47,150 |
Washington | $71,700 |
West Virginia | $43,480 |
Wisconsin | $47,280 |
Wyoming | $44,160 |
What Tools do Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Graphics software
- ESRI ArcView
- Statistical software
- ESRI ArcInfo
Becoming an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?
What work experience do I need to become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?
Who Employs Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians?
The table below shows the approximate number of Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- Range Managers
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Forest and Conservation Technicians
- Surveying Technicians
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Department of Energy from United States via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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