What Do Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Do?
Position 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.
Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Responsibilities
- Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
- Distribute permits, closure plans, or cleanup plans.
- Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
- Develop testing procedures.
- Direct activities of workers in laboratory.
- Conduct standardized tests to ensure materials or supplies used throughout power supply systems meet processing and safety specifications.
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Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Biological Lab Technician
- Environmental Analyst
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Chemist
- Groundwater Monitoring Technician
- Industrial Ecology Technician
Job Opportunities for Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 34,600 jobs in the United States for Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician. 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.
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 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
Are there Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician?

Where Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians Are Employed

Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Environmental Science, Protection, or Health Technician may also be interested in:
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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