All About Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Definition 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
- Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
- Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
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Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Needed Skills
When polled, Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Job Titles
- Microbiological Lab Technician
- Environmental Technician
- Analytical Lab Technician
- Water Analyst
- Natural Resource Technician
Job Outlook 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,600 job openings in this field each year.
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 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 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
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Graphics software
- ESRI ArcView
- Statistical software
- ESRI ArcInfo
Becoming 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 Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician may also be interested in:
Those who work as an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- 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
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