An environmental technician applies skills learned in fields such as science and technology to environmental issues and projects. Many of these technicians work as consultants for other companies, advising on everything from testing water and soil samples from construction sites to ensuring that a company is following environmental regulations. In addition to being knowledgeable in the field, the technician must be comfortable with computers and able to deal with individuals and employers on a one-on-one basis.
Environmental technology is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of specialized occupations. An environmental technician might be in charge of monitoring a city’s air quality, supervising the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste, or developing new technologies to improve pollution control in a particular industry. A number of scientific fields exist, such as the analysis of soil and water samples for pollution and other foreign bodies. Others may be more interested in the technological side of the job, preferring to research and develop new and more cost-effective methods for reducing a building’s, city’s, or industry’s carbon footprint. An environmental technician can also perform administrative tasks such as ensuring that a company follows proper safety procedures and analyzing the cost effectiveness of implementing new technologies.
Working in a lab can be rewarding for some people. There are already established guidelines for individuals to follow and work within in some environmental fields. There are areas where individuals can establish new standards and methods for testing new technologies and systems, especially in the ever-changing world of environmental concerns. An environmental technician may be hired to test the cleanliness of the air or soil, to establish a baseline, or to conduct tests that inform a company about the environmental impact of its procedures and processes. Many times, the technician sees the job through from start to finish, from collecting and preparing samples to running lab tests and interpreting the results.
When working in a specific industry, an environmental technician may conduct tests and samples to ensure that they are compliant with government regulations. He or she may take air samples to ensure that pollution released into the environment is not higher than allowed, or test nearwaters on a regular basis to ensure that nothing that shouldn’t be is. An environmental technician may interact with government agencies to ensure that all documents are properly filed and that the industry’s compliance is up to date.