What is an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?
Occupation 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.
Daily Life Of an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician
- Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
- Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.
- Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- 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.
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Skills Needed to be an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician
Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Air Sampling and Monitoring
- Radon Inspector
- Water Treatment Specialist
- Solid Waste Analyst
- Instrumentation Chemist
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Job Outlook
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.
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians is somewhere between $28,530 and $80,130.
Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians who work in Washington, Rhode Island, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians make in each U.S. state?
| 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 do Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians:
- 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
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Database software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Graphics software
- ESRI ArcView
- Statistical software
- ESRI ArcInfo
How do I Become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?
What education is needed to be 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 Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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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