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Environmental Science and Protection Technician

Overview and Key Facts

Environmental scientists sampling contaminated water in field
Education
Education
Associate's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$49,490
Job Growth
Job Growth
4.00%
(US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
42,100

What Do They Do?

An environmental science and protection technician could...

 
Industrial area with waterway nearby
Collect and analyze water samples to ensure waterways near oil refineries are not polluted with harmful chemicals.
Industrial refinery site with remote sensors to monitor pollution
Set up remote sensors to monitor pollution levels near refineries.
kitchen setting at restaurant
Investigate local restaurant to determine cause of outbreak of food poisoning.
warehouse setting with possible asbestos materials
Collect and analyze samples from a warehouse revitalization to test for asbestos.
 
Industrial area with waterway nearby Industrial refinery site with remote sensors to monitor pollution kitchen setting at restaurant warehouse setting with possible asbestos materials

Overview Listen to this section

Pollution affects everything the eye can see (and even places your eyes cannot see, like deep underground and air particles). This is when environmental science and protection technicians, or an environmental advisor, come to the rescue! They help identify issues caused from pollution or contamination. They may collect samples and test them. They can even plan emergency responses and recommend improvements to make the world a better place for all!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJoIp5P_yo8

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Environmental Science and Protection Technician?


  1. Reading Comprehension: ?
  2. Writing: ?
  3. Active Listening: ?
  4. Speaking: ?
  5. Critical Thinking: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Environmental Science and Protection Technician might do:
  • 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.
  • Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
  • Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
  • Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
  • 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.
  • Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
  • Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
  • Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
  • Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
  • Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
  • Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
  • Develop testing procedures.
  • Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
  • Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs.
  • Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.
  • Direct activities of workers in laboratory.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state
No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Environmental Science and Protection Technician Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Environmental Science and Protection Technician jobs (4.00%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming an Environmental Science and Protection Technician

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Technicians whose jobs involve handing hazardous waste typically need to complete training that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The length of training may depend on the type of hazardous material that workers handle. The training covers health hazards, personal protective equipment and clothing, site safety, recognizing and identifying hazards, and decontamination.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Associate's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

Environmental science and protection technicians typically need at least an associate's degree in environmental science, environmental health, or public health, or a related field. Depending on the position, however, educational requirements may vary from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree.

A background in natural sciences — including classes in chemistry, biology, and physics — is important for environmental science and protection technicians. College students should take science courses that provide laboratory experience. Coursework in math, statistics, and computer science also is useful for data analysis and modeling.

Companies That Hire Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

  • CITGO
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Stantec
  • Northrop Grumman
  • The Boeing Company
  • Chevron
  • Forest Service

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

A Day in the Life of an Environmental Scientist
One benefit is that every day is different. I can be out in the field one day and sitting at my desk reading about research from halfway across the world next. Even in a single day, a scientist can switch tasks from analyzing data, to writing technical reports, to reading research articles. 
- Madison Trowbridge, Springs Scientist, Southwest Florida

Nature of the Work

Environmental science and protection technicians, also known as Environmental Advisors, monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.

Environmental science and protection technicians help monitor environmental quality and manage regulation compliance. Their tasks vary, depending on where they work. In government positions, they may enforce regulations by conducting inspections and investigating complaints of air quality, water quality, or food safety. In businesses, they may develop cleanup plans for contaminated sites and recommend ways to reduce, control, or eliminate pollution.

These technicians also may conduct feasibility or environmental impact studies related to proposed construction. Or they may evaluate areas of potential health risks from environmental contamination, such as abandoned industrial sites.

Environmental science and protection technicians may collect, track, and test samples in laboratory work similar to that of chemical technicians, biological technicians, and microbiologists. However, in contrast to those workers, environmental science and protection technicians focus on the relationship between the environment and human health.

Environmental science and protection technicians often work under the supervision of environmental scientists, who direct the technicians' work and evaluate their results. In addition, technicians may collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians in other fields on projects related to environmental contamination and public health.

Most environmental science and protection technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Technicians may travel to meet with clients or to perform fieldwork, both of which may require them to work nonstandard hours.

Work Environment

Environmental science and protection technicians typically work in offices, laboratories, and the field. Fieldwork may include visiting industrial sites or working outdoors. While working outdoors, technicians may be exposed to adverse weather conditions.

During fieldwork, environmental science and protection technicians may spend much of the time on their feet and may need to carry heavy equipment, both of which can be physically demanding. They may need to wear protective gear, such as hardhats or masks, to guard against hazards.

More Information

Ask Questions

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Additional Resources

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