Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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Duties

Engineers and technicians in environmental engineering often perform the following tasks:

• Maintain and repair environmental pollution-prevention and-remediation devices.
• Project documents and computer software files should be kept in order.
• To monitor pollution or remediate it, collect and analyze samples, such as those from ground water.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of all papers before submitting them for any further action.
• To plan out your day, go through your job schedule.
• Asbestos, lead, and other potentially harmful items should be properly disposed of.

Engineers and technicians in environmental engineering work both inside and outside to assure environmental quality. Their work assists environmental engineers in identifying solutions to pollution and other environmental issues that may be controlled, prevented, and mitigated.

Technicians and technologists in environmental engineering labs take notes, collect data, and take photos of their findings. In order to keep labs stocked, they may acquire product information, locate vendors and suppliers, and purchase supplies and equipment.

An area's air, soil, or ground- and surface-water samples may be collected on the spot by environmental engineering experts and technicians. Field sampling pumps and instruments are operated as well as preparation and cleaning equipment is performed.

In addition, they may carry out compliance checks on facilities to ensure that rules controlling asbestos, lead, and wastewater are being followed.

Education

Students interested in environmental engineering technology should take science and math programs in high school to prepare for college.

Employers frequently favor candidates from ABET-accredited postsecondary programs. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians often need an associate's degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field.

Associate degree programs in environmental engineering technology are available at community colleges. These programs include chemistry, environmental assessment, and hazardous waste management. Environmental engineers are not all bachelor's degree holders.

Licenses and certifications

In certain states, hazardous waste disposal requires a permit or license from environmental technologists. Workers may additionally need to be certified in HAZWOPER by OSHA. Candidates must complete courses on health risks, PPE, jobsite safety, hazard identification, and decontamination procedures to get the HAZWOPER certification. Renewal of certification may need.

Advancement

Most entry-level environmental engineers and technicians work under the supervision of a senior engineer or technician. Their duties rise as their careers improve. Some environmental technologists and technicians become senior or lead environmental technologists or technicians.

Important traits

Effective communication skills When working in groups, environmental engineers must be able to communicate effectively and listen attentively.

Critical thinking skills Environmental engineers use technologists and technicians to investigate problems and provide solutions.

Observation skills They must be able to analyze situations, identify problems, and advise environmental engineers.

Problem-solving skills Environmental engineers' technologists and technicians implement their ideas. Unexpected outcomes need solutions.

Reading ability Environmental engineers must understand legal and technical documents to ensure standards are followed.

Pay

The median annual wage for environmental engineering technologists and technicians was $54,000 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,150, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,640.

Job Projections

Employment of environmental engineering technologists and technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations.