What You Need to Know About 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.
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Responsibilities
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.
- Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
- Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
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Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Required Skills
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:
- Emergency Spill Response Technician
- EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist)
- Environmental Analyst
- Pollution Control Technician
- Water Analyst
Job Opportunities for Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians
There were about 34,600 jobs for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Average Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians Salary
The salary for Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians ranges between about $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.
How much do Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians make in each U.S. state?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians
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 kind of Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians Work?

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 thinking about becoming an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
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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