Overview and Key Facts
Education
Associate's degree
Median Pay
$50,620
Job Growth
7.50%
(Above US Average)
Jobs in 2029
19,900
What Do They Do?
An environmental engineering technician could...
Set up experiments to test new methods for cleaning up oil spills.
Inspect and maintain the machinery in a recycling plant.
Test water downstream from a factory to determine whether pollution control requirements are being met.
Decontaminate equipment after a hazardous materials accident.
Overview
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.
Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Environmental Engineering Technician?
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Active Listening:
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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.
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Reading Comprehension:
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Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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Critical Thinking:
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Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Active Learning:
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Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Monitoring:
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Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking:
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Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Science:
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Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making:
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Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Writing:
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Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Quality Control Analysis:
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Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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
Steps to Get There: Becoming an Environmental Engineering Technician
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On the Job
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