Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Support
- Relationships
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Cooperation
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Scheduling Work and Activities
Detailed Work Activities
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Technology Skills
- Geographic information system
- Video creation and editing software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Electronic mail software
- Computer aided design CAD software
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Biology
- Law and Government
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Environmental AuditorCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Council-certified Environmental Infection Control InvestigatorCertifying Organization
American Council for Accredited Certification
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Registered Environmental TechnicianCertifying Organization
National Environmental Health Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Electron Microscopy TechnologistCertifying Organization
Microscopy Society of America
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Registered Hazardous and Chemical Materials ManagerCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $42,654 |
| Median (50%) | $50,390 |
| High (90%) | $62,926 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $51,058 |
| Mid Level | $60,223 |
| Senior Level | $65,812 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 33,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 36,200 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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