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Career Exploration

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Also called: Air Quality Instrument Specialist, Environmental Field Technician, Environmental Technician, Haz Tech (Hazardous Technician)

What they do:

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

On the job, you would:
  • Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
  • Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
  • Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • product and service development
  • mechanical

Business

  • customer service

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • chemistry

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • use rules to solve problems

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Math

  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Cooperation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Stress Tolerance

Analytical or scientific software

  • Statistical software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Compliance software

  • Material safety data sheet MSDS software
  • Waste management software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $50,980

Education

Bachelor's degree or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.