________ Investigative Occupations: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthEnvironmental Science and
Protection Technicians, Including
Health
! Personality Code: IRC! Education/Training Required: Associate
degree
! Annual Earnings: $39,370
! Beginning Wage: $25,090
! Earnings Growth Potential: Medium
! Growth: 28.0%
! Annual Job Openings: 8,404
! Self-Employed: 1.5%
! Part-Time: 19.4%
Perform laboratory and fi eld tests to monitor the
environment and investigate sources of pollution,
including those that aff ect health. Under direc-
tion of environmental scientists or specialists,
may collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other
materials for testing and take corrective actions
as assigned. Collect samples of gases, soils, water,
industrial wastewater, and asbestos products to con-
duct tests on pollutant levels and identify sources of
pollution. Record test data and prepare reports, sum-
maries, and charts that interpret test results. Develop
and implement programs for monitoring of environ-
mental pollution and radiation. Discuss test results
and analyses with customers. Set up equipment or sta-
tions to monitor and collect pollutants from sites such
as smokestacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical
equipment. Maintain fi les, such as hazardous waste
databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure
information, and diagrams showing equipment loca-
tions. Develop testing procedures or direct activities
of workers in laboratory. Prepare samples or photomi-
crographs for testing and analysis. Calibrate micro-
scopes and test instruments. Examine and analyze
material for presence and concentration of contami-
nants such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.
Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or com-
pute air pollution or gas fl ow in industrial processes,
using chemical and mathematical formulas. Makerecommendations to control or eliminate unsafe con-
ditions at workplaces or public facilities. Weigh, ana-
lyze, and measure collected sample particles such
as lead, coal dust, or rock to determine concentra-
tion of pollutants. Provide information and technical
and program assistance to government representa-
tives, employers, and the general public on the issues
of public health, environmental protection, or work-
place safety. Conduct standardized tests to ensure
materials and supplies used throughout power sup-
ply systems meet processing and safety specifi cations.
Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
Respond to and investigate hazardous conditions
or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning,
collecting samples for analysis. Determine amounts
and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harm-
ful organisms and removing impurities from purifi -
cation systems. Inspect sanitary conditions at public
facilities. Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of
health and safety hazards such as high noise levels,
radiation, or lighting that is too bright or dim.
GOE—Interest Area/Cluster: 01. Agriculture and
Natural Resources. Work Group: 01.03. Resource
Te c h n o l o g i e s f o r P l a nt s , A n i m a l s , a n d t h e E n v i r o n -
ment. Other Jobs in! is Work Group: Agricul-
tural and Food Science Technicians; Agricultural
Te c h n i c i a n s ; F o o d S c i e n c e Te c h n i c i a n s ; F o o d S c i -
entists and Technologists; Geological and Petroleum
Te c h n i c i a n s ; G e o l o g i c a l S a m p l e Te s t Te c h n i c i a n s ;
Geophysical Data Technicians.
Skills: Quality Control Analysis; Systems Analysis;
Systems Evaluation; Operation Monitoring; Opera-
tion and Control; Science.
Education and Training Programs: Environmen-
tal Studies; Environmental Science; Physical Sci-
ence Technologies/Technicians, Other; Science
Te c h n o l o g i e s / Te c h n i c i a n s , O t h e r. Related Knowl-
edge/Courses: Biology; Chemistry; Geography;
Physics; Computers and Electronics; Building and
Construction.
Work Env ironment : More often indoors than out-
doors; noisy; very hot or cold; contaminants; sitting.Investigative–
E