Description
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.
- • Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- • Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- • 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.
- • Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
- • Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
- • Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
- • Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- • Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
- • Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
- • Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.
- • Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- • Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
- • Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
- • Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
- • Distribute permits, closure plans, or cleanup plans.
- • 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.
- • Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.
- • Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
- • Develop testing procedures.
- • Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.
- • Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs.
- • Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
- • Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- • Direct activities of workers in laboratory.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
