Environmental technician
Also known as: environmental protection technician, pollution prevention technician, pollution control technician, groundwater protection technician, environmental conservation technician
About this occupation
Environmental technicians investigate sources of pollution and aid in the development of pollution prevention and environment protection plans. They take samples of soil, water or other materials and perform tests to analyse the pollution level and identify its source.
Essential skills and knowledge
- perform laboratory tests
- collect samples for analysis
- analyse environmental data
- laboratory techniques
- advise on environmental remediation
- environmental legislation
- conduct environmental site assessments
- chemistry
- advise on environmental risk management systems
- report on environmental issues
- test samples for pollutants
- advise on soil and water protection
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3025.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare and package environmental samples for shipping or testing.
- Assist in the cleanup of hazardous material spills.
- Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
- Receive, set up, test, or decontaminate equipment.
- Inspect facilities to monitor compliance with regulations governing substances, such as asbestos, lead, or wastewater.
- Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Speaking, Science
US median pay: US$59,920 a year (2025), 12,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.6)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.4)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.2)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Chemical Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.