What Does it Take to Be an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?
Career 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.
Life As an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician: What Do They Do?
- Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
- Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
- Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
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Skills Needed to be an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician
These are the skills Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Jobs
- Asbestos Abatement Technician
- Hazardous Waste Technician
- Air Sampling and Monitoring
- Hazardous Materials Analyst
- Environmental Property Assessor
Job Demand 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. The BLS estimates 4,600 yearly job openings in this field.
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
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 & Technology 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
How to Become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?
Where Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians Work
Below are examples of industries where Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians work:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- 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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