Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

17-3025.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches.
• Collect and analyze pollution samples, such as air or ground water.
• Decontaminate or test field equipment used to clean or test pollutants from soil, air, or water.
• Prepare and package environmental samples for shipping or testing.
• Maintain process parameters and evaluate process anomalies.
• Review technical documents to ensure completeness and conformance to requirements.
• Receive, set up, test, or decontaminate equipment.
• Prepare permit applications or review compliance with environmental permits.
• Review work plans to schedule activities.
• Assist in the cleanup of hazardous material spills.
• Inspect facilities to monitor compliance with regulations governing substances, such as asbestos, lead, or wastewater.
• Develop work plans, including writing specifications or establishing material, manpower, or facilities needs.
• Perform statistical analysis and correction of air or water pollution data submitted by industry or other agencies.
• Arrange for the disposal of lead, asbestos, or other hazardous materials.
• Evaluate and select technologies to clean up polluted sites, restore polluted air, water, or soil, or rehabilitate degraded ecosystems.
• Assess the ability of environments to naturally remove or reduce conventional or emerging contaminants from air, water, or soil.
• Work with customers to assess the environmental impact of proposed construction or to develop pollution prevention programs.
• Provide technical engineering support in the planning of projects, such as wastewater treatment plants, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and policies.
• Model biological, chemical, or physical treatment processes to remove or degrade pollutants.
• Oversee support staff.
• Create models to demonstrate or predict the process by which pollutants move through or impact an environment.
• Improve chemical processes to reduce toxic emissions.
• Obtain product information, identify vendors or suppliers, or order materials or equipment to maintain inventory.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Air dispersion modeling software; ANSYS simulation software; DHI Water and Environment MIKE SHE; Ecological risk assessment software; Gas dispersion model software; HEC-RAS; Hydrologic simulation program fortan HSPF software; Insightful S-PLUS; Laboratory information management system LIMS; LINDO Systems optimization modeling software; Maplesoft Maple; Microscopic image capturing software; Neural network modeling software; PerkinElmer Turbochrom; RockWare MODFLOW; Rockwell Automation Arena; SAS 🔥; Scientific Software Group MIGRATE; Simulation software; Simultaneous location and mapping SLAM; Statistical software; Stochastic modeling software; Stormwater runoff modeling software; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Thermal indoor climate simulation software; Visual MODFLOW Pro; WAM software; Water flow modeling software; Wind flow modeling software; Wolfram Research Mathematica; XP Software XPSWMM
• Categorization or classification software - GAEA Technologies WinSieve
• Compliance software - Continuous emission management software; Environmental health and safety documentation software; Greenhouse gas management software; Hazardous materials management HMS software; Material safety data sheet MSDS software; Regulatory compliance management software; Site remediation management software; Waste management software
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 🔥; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Mathsoft Mathcad; SofTech CADRA
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Microsoft Access 🔥; Structure query language SQL
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe PageMaker
• Development environment software - Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; National Instruments LabVIEW
• Document management software - Gel documentation software; Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSS
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Photogrammetric software
• Industrial control software - Fugitive emission leak detection software
• Internet browser software - Internet browser software
• Map creation software - Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Soil mapping software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥; Presentation software
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word ; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Document design or operational test results.
• Prepare technical or operational reports.
• Analyze test or validation data.
• Collect samples of raw materials or finished products.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Maintain clean work areas.
• Package materials for transport.
• Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.
• Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
• Schedule operational activities.
• Dispose of hazardous materials.
• Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
• Prepare detailed work plans.
• Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
• Assess product or process usefulness.
• Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
• Advise customers on the use of products or services.
• Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
• Create models of engineering designs or methods.
• Supervise production or support personnel.
• Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
• Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.