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Environmental Engineering Technician

Overview and Key Facts

environmental engineering technician
Education
Education
Associate's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$58,890
Job Growth
Job Growth
1.20%
(Below US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
13,000

What Do They Do?

An environmental engineering technician could...

 
technician in protective suit testing at oil spills
Set up experiments to test new methods for cleaning up oil spills.
conveyor belt in recycling plant
Inspect and maintain the machinery in a recycling plant.
factory with water nearby
Test water downstream from a factory to determine whether pollution control requirements are being met.
person in hazard suit decontaminating workspace
Decontaminate equipment after a hazardous materials accident.
 
technician in protective suit testing at oil spills conveyor belt in recycling plant factory with water nearby person in hazard suit decontaminating workspace

Overview Listen to this section

Smog, car emissions, industry waste—unfortunately, pollution is a reality that humans have to deal with. However, we can all breathe a little easier with environmental engineering technicians on the job. These people test our water, air, and soil to help us find ways to lessen the impact of pollution.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBIUUlrJKjU

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


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

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Environmental Engineering Technician might do:
  • Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
  • Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
  • Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
  • Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches.
  • Collect and analyze pollution samples, such as air or ground water.
  • Decontaminate or test field equipment used to clean or test pollutants from soil, air, or water.
  • Prepare and package environmental samples for shipping or testing.
  • Maintain process parameters and evaluate process anomalies.
  • Review technical documents to ensure completeness and conformance to requirements.
  • Receive, set up, test, or decontaminate equipment.
  • Prepare permit applications or review compliance with environmental permits.
  • Review work plans to schedule activities.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

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Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Environmental Engineering 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 Engineering Technician jobs (1.20%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming an Environmental Engineering 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

Most environmental engineering technicians enter the occupation with an associate's degree in environmental engineering technology. Training is available at technical institutes, community colleges, extension divisions of colleges and universities, public and private vocational-technical schools, and in the Armed Forces. Because the type and quality of training programs vary considerably, prospective students should carefully investigate training programs before enrolling.

Training in technical areas may be obtained in the Armed Forces. Many military technical training programs are highly regarded by employers; however, skills acquired in military programs are often narrowly focused and might be of limited applicability in civilian industry, which often requires broader training. Therefore, some additional training may be needed, depending on the acquired skills and the kind of job.

Environmental engineering technicians usually begin by performing routine duties under the close supervision of an experienced technician, technologist, engineer, or scientist. As they gain experience, they are given more difficult assignments with only general supervision. Some environmental engineering technicians eventually become supervisors.

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

An associate's degree in environmental engineering technology is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions. Although it may be possible to qualify for certain engineering technician jobs without formal training, most employers prefer to hire someone with at least a 2-year associate's degree in environmental engineering technology. People with college courses in science, engineering, and mathematics may qualify for some positions, but may need additional specialized training and experience. Prospective environmental engineering technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible to prepare for programs in environmental engineering technology after high school.

The type of technical courses required depends on the specialty. Those preparing to work in environmental engineering technology need courses in environmental regulations and safe handling of hazardous materials.

Companies That Hire Environmental Engineering Technicians

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 Technician at Newmont
The common path that people would take is a two-year environmental technician program at college. I, myself, took biology. So there's a variety of different paths that a person could take to get there. 
- Steven Utenhagen, Environmental Technician

Nature of the Work

Environmental engineering technicians use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, inspection, and maintenance. Their work is more narrowly focused and application-oriented than that of scientists and engineers. Many environmental engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Environmental engineering technicians who work in research and development build or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments, collect data, calculate or record results, and help engineers or scientists in other ways, such as making prototype versions of newly designed equipment.

Environmental engineering technicians work closely with environmental engineers and scientists to develop methods and devices used in the prevention, control, or correction of environmental hazards. They inspect and maintain equipment related to air pollution and recycling. Some inspect water and wastewater treatment systems to ensure that pollution control requirements are met.

Work Environment

Most environmental engineering technicians work 40 hours a week in laboratories, or outdoors. Some may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials.

More Information

Ask Questions

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