Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthDescription
Conduct field and laboratory sampling and environmental monitoring to support compliance, public health, and pollution control under the direction of environmental scientists or engineers. Collect and handle air, water, soil, and waste samples; operate and calibrate instruments; document results; and assist with investigations and remediation.
- • Collect air, water, soil, wastewater, and material samples following chain-of-custody.
- • Set up and operate field monitoring equipment and sampling stations.
- • Calibrate and maintain meters, pumps, detectors, and microscopes.
- • Prepare and preserve samples for transport and laboratory analysis.
- • Record measurements and observations; enter and validate data.
- • Prepare summaries, charts, and basic reports of test results.
- • Weigh and measure particulates and residues to determine pollutant concentrations.
- • Perform basic calculations of flows, loads, and emission rates.
- • Examine materials for contaminants, such as asbestos or lead, using approved methods.
- • Perform routine microscopy and prepare photomicrographs.
- • Monitor emission control or treatment systems for proper operation and compliance.
- • Assist with spill responses, sanitary inspections, and incident investigations.
- • Inspect workplaces or facilities for environmental and health hazards.
- • Recommend corrective actions to mitigate unsafe or noncompliant conditions.
- • Provide technical information to clients, the public, or agency staff.
- • Maintain databases, logs, maps, and equipment location diagrams.
- • Perform basic statistical analysis and QA/QC of environmental data.
- • Support development and implementation of sampling and testing procedures.
- • Assist with site recycling, waste minimization, and hazardous waste management.
- • Support pollution or radiation monitoring programs.
- • Discuss findings with supervisors, clients, or regulators.
- • Assist with permitting, closure, or cleanup documentation.
- • Follow safety protocols and decontamination procedures.
- • Train or direct junior technicians in routine tasks.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
