Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
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.
Common Job Titles
- Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
- Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech)
- Sanitarian
- Soil Lab Technician (Soil Laboratory Technician)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate environmental samples and monitoring results against regulatory standards applying knowledge of chemistry, biology, and public safety requirements.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize sampling schedules, field activities, and laboratory workflows managing multiple projects under time constraints and regulatory deadlines.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform field sampling of air, soil, water, and other environmental media using specialized monitoring equipment under the direction of environmental scientists or engineers.Developing
- Hands-onOperate laboratory analytical instruments including spectrophotometers, microscopes, and centrifuges following established testing protocols and quality control procedures.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze environmental data from field and laboratory tests to identify pollution sources and assess compliance with environmental regulations.Developing
- KnowledgeApply scientific principles from chemistry, biology, and mathematics to conduct environmental assessments and interpret test results.Developing
- KnowledgePrepare technical documentation and sampling reports using database software, GIS systems, and Microsoft Office applications to communicate findings.Developing
- MindsetEngage with external stakeholders including regulatory officials and the public to explain environmental monitoring activities and address health and safety concerns.Developing
- KnowledgeInspect equipment, materials, and environmental conditions in field and laboratory settings to ensure data quality and procedural compliance.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate air sampling pumps, water quality meters, and monitoring instrumentation ensuring measurement accuracy according to standard operating procedures.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
39,390
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,130. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,050. 50th percentile: U.S. $49,490. 75th percentile: U.S. $64,170. 90th percentile: U.S. $85,630. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $36,130 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $85,630 |
| Workers on average earn | $56,770 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Chemistry3.5/5
- Biology3.4/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Autodesk Softdesk
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Database software
- ESRI ArcInfo
- ESRI ArcPad
- ESRI ArcView
- ESRI software
- Email software
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Air current test kits
- Air monitoring equipment
- Air sampling impingers
- Air sampling primary flow calibrators
- Area sampling pumps
- Autoclaves
- Binocular light compound microscopes