All careers

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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.

What you’d do

  • Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
  • Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
  • Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
  • Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
  • Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
  • Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
  • Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
  • Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.

Skills that matter

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
  • Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech)
  • Sanitarian
  • Soil Lab Technician (Soil Laboratory Technician)
  • Industrial Pretreatment Program Specialist (IPP Specialist)
  • Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician)

Related careers

See all careers

  • Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Environmental Compliance Inspectors

    Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Environmental Engineers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

    Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth
    • Numerous Job Openings

    Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree