Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Environmental science and protection technicians will typically work under the direction of a lead environmental scientist, biologist or ecologist to conduct environmental monitoring through lab and field test. Additionally, they will make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?:
- Conduct field sampling of the air, water and soil
- Carry out hazardous goods and waste handling methods
- Develop emergency planning and spill response methods
- Enforce environmental law and ethics
- Take inventory and quantify sources of locally generated pollution
- Prepare reports of lab results for internal and external use
- Classify products and compare test results with standard tables
- Order supplies needed for daily laboratory processes and activities
- Sterilize appropriate laboratory equipment
- Prepare graphs, charts and reports from test results
- Operate laboratory equipment independently
- Perform quality control analysis
- Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions
- Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities and private property
Recommended High School Courses:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, a focus on science, earth science, biology, botany, chemistry and biology and mathematics.
Education/Training Required:
An associate degree in natural resources, soil science, biology or a related science field, such as horticulture, plant physiology or environmental science, is required. Those with a bachelor’s degree in similar fields would increase their chances for employment and advancement once on the job.
Future Job Market Outlook:
Typical Employers:
Environmental science and protection technicians are typically employed by seed companies, crop protection companies, universities, government agencies, consulting firms, research laboratories, museums, field stations, and parks and recreation areas.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- Ecological Society of America
- American Society of Plant Biologist
- Society for Range Management
- World Association of Soil and Water Conservation
Average Annual Full-Time Salary:
$33,555
?
Salary data is provided by the AgCareers.com Compensation Benchmark Review™.
These salaries should be considered as examples and are provided for educational and exploratory purposes.
The salary information provided should not be used as a benchmark. Actual salaries are influenced by numerous
variables including but not limited to demographics, size and scope of the role, level of experience,
qualifications, and education of the worker.
