Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

19-4042.00

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
• Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
• Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
• Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
• Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
• Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
• Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
• Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
• Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.
• Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
• Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
• Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
• Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
• Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
• Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
• Develop testing procedures.
• Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
• Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs.
• Direct activities of workers in laboratory.
• Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.
• Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
• Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
• Conduct standardized tests to ensure materials or supplies used throughout power supply systems meet processing and safety specifications.
• Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.
• Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.
• Distribute permits, closure plans, or cleanup plans.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - FishXing; Flood modeling software; HEC-HMS; HEC-RAS; Scientific analysis software; Statistical software; Visual OTTHYMO
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk Softdesk; Computer aided design CAD software
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Microsoft Access 🔥
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; ESRI ArcPad; ESRI ArcView; ESRI software
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Graphics software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Map creation software - Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Video creation and editing software - YouTube
• 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

• Collect environmental data or samples.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Record research or operational data.
• Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
• Confer with clients to exchange information.
• Analyze geological samples.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Advise others on matters of public policy.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment.
• Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
• Direct natural resources management or conservation programs.
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Assess compliance with environmental laws.
• Advise others on business or operational matters.
• Develop environmental research methods.
• Analyze environmental data.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
• Inspect areas for compliance with sanitation standards.
• Test quality of materials or finished products.
• Determine methods to minimize environmental impact of activities.
• Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
• Prepare documentation for permits or licenses.