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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Environmental Technician, Laboratory Technician, Public Health Sanitarian, Sanitarian, Water Quality Analyst, Water Quality Specialist
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.
- Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
- Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software:FishXing,Flood modeling software,HEC-HMS,HEC-RAS,Scientific analysis software,Statistical software,Visual OTTHYMO
- Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD,Autodesk Softdesk,Computer aided design CAD software
- Data base user interface and query software:Database software,Microsoft Access
- Document management software:Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Electronic mail software:Email software,Microsoft Outlook
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information:Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
- Advise others on business or operational matters.
- Advise others on matters of public policy.
- Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
- Analyze environmental data.
- Analyze geological samples.
Work Context
- Electronic Mail:91% responded"Every day"
- Telephone:86% responded"Every day"
- Face-to-Face Discussions:86% responded"Every day"
- Time Pressure:64% responded"Once a week or more but not every day"
- Outdoors, Exposed to Weather:57% responded"Once a week or more but not every day"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Active Listening:Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Speaking:Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Science:Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Knowledge
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Biology:Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Law and Government:Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Chemistry:Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 55%Bachelor's Degree
- 14%Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
- 14%Master's Degree
- 9%Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Problem Sensitivity:The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Interests
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
- Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
- Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Relationships:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Work Styles
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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