Occupation · SOC 19-4042
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
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.
Median wage
$49,490
$36,130–$85,630
Projected growth
+4.2%
Average growth
Annual openings
160
per year
Employed (US)
39,390
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
590 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionWritingSpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingScienceMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisMathematicsActive LearningTime ManagementSystems EvaluationSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationOperations MonitoringLearning StrategiesCoordinationPersuasionOperation and ControlInstructingQuality Control AnalysisNegotiationOperations AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesTroubleshootingManagement of Material ResourcesProgrammingManagement of Financial ResourcesEquipment MaintenanceRepairingEquipment SelectionTechnology DesignInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageChemistryBiologyLaw and GovernmentMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEducation and TrainingCommunications and MediaPersonnel and Human ResourcesPhysicsGeographyTransportationMechanicalProduction and ProcessingTelecommunicationsDesignBuilding and ConstructionPsychologySales and MarketingEconomics and AccountingSociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionForeign LanguageTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
Adobe AcrobatAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk SoftdeskComputer aided design CAD softwareDatabase softwareESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcInfoESRI ArcPadESRI ArcViewESRI softwareEmail softwareFishXingFlood modeling softwareGeomechanical design analysis GDA softwareGraphics softwareHEC-HMSHEC-RASMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP softwareScientific analysis softwareSpreadsheet softwareStatistical softwareTrimble GPS Pathfinder OfficeVisual OTTHYMOWeb browser softwareWord processing softwareYouTube
Representative tasks
Documenting/Recording InformationGetting InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesScheduling Work and ActivitiesWorking with ComputersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesTraining and Teaching OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesDeveloping and Building TeamsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoaching and Developing OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesThinking CreativelyHandling and Moving ObjectsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Environmental sample collection protocols — follow step-by-step procedures to gather gas, soil, water, and wastewater specimens under direct supervisor guidance at field sites.Standard laboratory equipment — operate balances, pipettes, and basic instruments to weigh and measure collected sample particles under close technical oversight.Microscope calibration procedures — perform routine calibration of microscopes and test instruments according to written protocols in a supervised laboratory setting.Photomicrograph preparation — prepare sample slides and photomicrographs for testing using established preparation techniques under direct technician supervision.Workplace inspection checklists — assist in inspecting facilities for health and safety hazards such as noise levels, radiation, and lighting deficiencies using prescribed forms.Field data entry and recordkeeping — record test data accurately into spreadsheets and database systems following standardized templates in an environmental laboratory.Regulatory reference materials — read and interpret environmental regulations, safety data sheets, and standard operating procedures with guidance from senior staff.Hazardous-spill response assistance — support senior technicians during spill or outbreak investigations by collecting labeled samples under established chain-of-custody protocols.Basic report formatting — draft preliminary summaries and data tables from test results using office suite and spreadsheet software under supervisor review.Client communication basics — relay straightforward test results and status updates to customers under the direction of a supervising environmental scientist.
developing
Multi-matrix sample collection — independently collect and preserve gas, soil, water, industrial wastewater, and asbestos samples in compliance with EPA and OSHA field protocols.Analytical instrument operation — calibrate and operate analytical or scientific software-integrated instruments to quantify pollutant concentrations such as lead and coal dust with minimal oversight.Pollutant data analysis — weigh, measure, and interpret collected particle samples to determine concentration levels, applying mathematical and statistical methods in routine laboratory contexts.Technical report preparation — compile and write test reports, data summaries, and interpretive charts that communicate environmental findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.Hazard investigation support — lead sample collection during workplace spill, disease outbreak, or food-poisoning investigations, applying systematic evidence-gathering techniques.Workplace safety inspection — conduct structured inspections of industrial and commercial facilities to identify health hazards including noise, radiation, and lighting risks, documenting findings independently.GIS data integration — enter field sample locations and inspection findings into geographic information system platforms to support spatial analysis of pollution sources.Regulatory compliance monitoring — monitor environmental conditions and facility operations against applicable regulatory standards, flagging non-compliance issues for supervisor review.Customer results discussion — explain test results, analytical methods, and corrective action implications to clients in clear, professional language during review meetings.Quality assurance checks — apply laboratory QA/QC procedures to verify accuracy of sample preparation, instrument readings, and data entry in an accredited testing environment.
proficient
Complex pollution source investigation — autonomously design and execute sampling strategies for multi-pollutant field investigations, including hazardous spills and disease outbreaks, across varied environmental media.Advanced instrumental analysis — select, calibrate, and troubleshoot a full suite of analytical instruments and software to quantify trace-level contaminants in non-routine or ambiguous sample matrices.Critical data interpretation — apply inductive and deductive reasoning to evaluate anomalous test data, identify pollution patterns, and draw defensible scientific conclusions without supervisory input.Comprehensive technical reporting — author detailed environmental assessment reports and regulatory submissions that synthesize complex test results, risk analyses, and remediation recommendations for regulatory agencies.Full-scope workplace health assessment — independently conduct comprehensive health and safety audits of complex industrial environments, evaluating interacting hazards such as chemical exposure, radiation, and ergonomic risks.Regulatory and legal navigation — interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental law and government regulations to determine compliance status and advise facility managers on corrective obligations.Systems analysis of environmental risk — evaluate interconnected environmental and public health systems to identify root causes of contamination and assess downstream community health impacts.CAD and spatial modeling — use CAD and GIS software to develop site maps and spatial models that illustrate contaminant distribution and guide remediation planning.Stakeholder technical consultation — lead detailed technical briefings with customers, regulatory officials, and community representatives, translating complex analytical findings into actionable guidance.Mentored field and lab training — guide junior technicians through sample collection, instrument operation, and data analysis procedures, providing structured feedback to build independent competency.
advanced
Organizational environmental strategy — develop and direct agency-wide or firm-wide environmental monitoring programs aligned with evolving regulatory frameworks, scientific standards, and community health priorities.Program quality system leadership — design, implement, and continuously improve laboratory and field QA/QC systems that maintain accreditation and ensure defensible data across all program operations.Multi-site investigation oversight — direct concurrent complex environmental investigations and spill-response operations across multiple facilities or jurisdictions, allocating resources and managing cross-functional teams.Policy and regulatory influence — represent the organization before regulatory bodies, contribute to rulemaking comment processes, and advise government agencies on emerging environmental health standards.Advanced technology adoption — evaluate, pilot, and institutionalize new analytical instrumentation, GIS platforms, and environmental software to enhance organizational detection capabilities and operational efficiency.Cross-disciplinary systems evaluation — lead organization-wide assessments that integrate chemistry, biology, engineering, and public health data to evaluate systemic environmental risk and inform long-range remediation investment.Workforce development and capability building — establish competency frameworks, training curricula, and mentorship pipelines that grow technical staff from entry level to senior expertise across environmental science functions.Executive-level reporting and communication — present environmental risk findings, program outcomes, and strategic recommendations to C-suite leadership, boards of directors, and legislative committees with authoritative clarity.Partnership and contract governance — negotiate and manage multi-stakeholder agreements with regulatory agencies, research institutions, and private clients to deliver large-scale environmental assessment and remediation projects.Ethical and public safety leadership — set and enforce organizational standards for integrity, cautiousness, and professional conduct in all environmental health and safety activities, ensuring protection of community and worker populations.
Also known as
76 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Air AnalystAir Pollution AuditorAir Quality Technician (Air Quality Tech)Analytical Lab Tech (Analytical Laboratory Technician)Asbestos Abatement Technician (Asbestos Abatement Tech)Asbestos MicroscopistBiological Lab Tech (Biological Laboratory Technician)BiotechnicianCertified Indoor EnvironmentalistChemical Lab Tech (Chemical Laboratory Technician)Compliance Technician (Compliance Tech)Decontamination Technician (Decontamination Tech)Emergency Spill Response Technician (Emergency Spill Response Tech)Energy and Conservation Technician (Energy and Conservation Tech)Environmental AnalystEnvironmental Compliance Technician (Environmental Compliance Tech)Environmental Field Technician (Environmental Field Tech)Environmental Health Officer (EHO)Environmental Lab Tech (Environmental Laboratory Technician)Environmental Monitoring Technician (Environmental Monitoring Tech)Environmental Property AssessorEnvironmental Sampling Technician (Environmental Sampling Tech)Environmental Science Technician (Environmental Science Tech)Environmental Services AssociateEnvironmental Services Technician (Environmental Services Tech)Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech)Environmental Test Technician (Environmental Test Tech)Facility Environmental Technician (Facility Environmental Tech)Field Environmental Technician (Field Environmental Tech)Field Sampling Technician (Field Sampling Tech)Field TechnicianGround Water Monitoring Technician (Ground Water Monitoring Tech)Ground Water Technician (Ground Water Tech)Hazardous Materials Analyst (Hazmat Analyst)Hazardous Materials Technician (Hazardous Materials Tech)Hazardous Waste Technician (Hazardous Waste Tech)Industrial Ecology Technician (Industrial Ecology Tech)Industrial Pretreatment Program Specialist (IPP Specialist)Infectious Waste Technician (Infectious Waste Tech)Lab Assistant (Laboratory Assistant)