Environmental Engineering Technologists & Technicians

Also called: Air Quality Instrument Specialist, Environmental Field Technician, Environmental Technician, Haz Tech (Hazardous Technician)

In the Air Force: Bioenvironmental Engineer; Bioenvironmental Engineer, Environmental Engineering and Science; Bioenvironmental Engineer, Industrial Hygiene; Bioenvironmental Engineering; Bioenvironmental Engineering Helper; Emergency Management; Emergency Management Craftsman; Emergency Management Superintendent; Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Apprentice; Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Helper

In the Army: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist; Engineer; Environmental Science and Engineering; Medical Service Corps Officer; Preventive Medicine Sciences

In the Marine Corps: Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Responder; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Specialist; Environmental Engineering Management Officer; Ground Ordnance Weapons Chief; Hazardous Material/Hazardous Waste (HM/HW) Officer; Hazardous Material/Hazardous Waste (HM/HW) Staff Noncommissioned Officer/Noncommissioned Officer; Weapons Repair Officer

In the Navy: Aerospace Physiologist; Disaster Preparedness Officer; Disaster Preparedness Operations and Training Specialist; Radiation Health Officer; Shipboard Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear-Defense (CBRN-D) Operations and Training Specialist; Undersea Warfare Research Officer (Antisubmarine); Undersea Warfare Research Officer (General)

Produced by CareerOneStop

show transcript

Video transcript: skip transcript

Environmental pollution makes headlines in the news from time to time, but it’s the top concern every day for environmental engineering technicians. They run the equipment and collect test samples that monitor air and water quality to help keep the public healthy and secure. Environmental engineering technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop. They operate equipment used to prevent or clean up environmental pollution, and modify the equipment to meet a particular need. They collect air and water samples, and work to mitigate sources of environmental pollution, including lead, asbestos, and other hazardous materials. In laboratories, and when inspecting facilities for compliance, these technicians record observations and test results. Some are responsible for maintaining supplies in their laboratories. Most technicians work full-time, regular business hours, in labs. If called on to contain a major environmental threat, or perform other work in a remote location, longer hours are common. Environmental engineering technicians can be exposed to hazards, and may need to wear hazmat suits, heavy rubber boots, and sometimes respirators, even in warm weather. Most environmental engineering technicians work in engineering services, consulting services, government, waste management, and manufacturing. An associate’s degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field is required to enter the field. High school science and math courses are helpful.

Knowledge

Skills

Abilities

Personality

Technology

Education

bachelor's degree or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

$48,390

$35,870

$84,740

Explore More