Environmental Engineering Technologist or Technician

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

On the job, you would:

Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. When working on teams, environmental engineering technologists and technicians must listen attentively and convey information to others.

Critical-thinking skills. Environmental engineers rely on technologists and technicians to help identify problems and solutions and to implement the engineers’ plans.

Observational skills. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians must be able to evaluate situations, recognize problems, and inform environmental engineers as quickly as possible.

Problem-solving skills. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians implement plans designed by environmental engineers. They must be able to resolve issues that arise, such as unexpected findings during fieldwork.

Reading skills. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians must be able to understand legal and technical documents in order to ensure that regulations are being met.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		83%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		82%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		81%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		80%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		78%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		76%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		73%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		70%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		67%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		67%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		66%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		62%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		57%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		56%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
		78%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		72%	Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		83%	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.
		61%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		56%	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.
		56%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		75%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		75%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		75%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		72%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		72%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		72%	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.
		72%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		69%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		69%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		53%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
		53%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		53%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		57%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		57%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		57%	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.
		57%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		55%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		55%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		54%	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		54%	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
		54%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		52%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Investigate the environmental impact of projects.

Create models of engineering designs or methods.

Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.

Maintain clean work areas.

Assess product or process usefulness.

Create models of engineering designs or methods.

Package materials for transport.

Monitor processes for compliance with standards.

Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.

Document design or operational test results.

Analyze test or validation data.

Collect samples of raw materials or finished products.

Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.

Maintain operational records or records systems.

Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.

Schedule operational activities.

Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.

Dispose of hazardous materials.

Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.

Provide technical guidance to other personnel.

Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.

Supervise production or support personnel.

Dispose of hazardous materials.

Prepare technical or operational reports.

Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.

Monitor processes for compliance with standards.

Investigate the environmental impact of projects.

Advise customers on the use of products or services.

Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.

Prepare detailed work plans.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		94%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		93%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		87%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		86%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		75%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		74%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		73%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		73%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		70%	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
		69%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		68%	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
		68%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		67%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		64%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		64%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		64%	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets - How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
		64%	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
		63%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		63%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		62%	Exposed to Contaminants - How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
		61%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		58%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		56%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		55%	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable - How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
		72%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		78%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		76%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		73%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		72%	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.
		69%	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		69%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		65%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		63%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		62%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		60%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		60%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		60%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		57%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		57%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		53%	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
		53%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

What Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians Do

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians collect water samples.

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop.

Duties

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians typically do the following:

Set up, test, operate, and modify equipment used to prevent or clean up environmental pollution
Maintain project records and computer program files
Collect and analyze samples, such as of ground water, for monitoring pollution or treatment
Review documents to ensure that they are complete and conform to reporting requirements
Review work plans to schedule activities
Arrange for the disposal of asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians work both indoors and outdoors help to ensure environmental quality. Their tasks aid environmental engineers in developing solutions to control, prevent, and mitigate damage caused by pollution and other environmental problems.

In laboratories, environmental engineering technologists and technicians record observations and test results and document photographs. To keep laboratories supplied, they also may gather product information, identify vendors and suppliers, and order materials and equipment.

In the field, environmental engineering technologists and technicians may collect air, soil, or ground and surface water samples of an area. They also prepare and clean equipment, operate field sampling pumps, and monitor instruments.

They also may inspect facilities for compliance with regulations governing substances such as asbestos, lead, and wastewater.

Work Environment

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians held about 13,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of environmental engineering technologists and technicians were as follows:

Engineering services	30%
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services	17
Government	15
Waste management and remediation services	10
Manufacturing	7

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians work under the direction of environmental engineers and as part of a team with other technicians. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians may work indoors, often in laboratories. They also work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.

Because environmental engineering technologists and technicians help with environmental cleanup, they may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. For this reason, they must follow proper safety procedures, such as wearing hazmat suits and respirators as needed. When they work in wet areas, environmental engineering technologists and technicians wear rubber boots to keep their legs and feet dry.

Work Schedules

Most environmental engineering technologists and technicians work full time and typically have regular hours. However, they may work irregular hours in order to monitor operations or contain a major environmental threat.

Getting Started

Education:

67%

Bachelor's Degree

11%

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

How to Become an Environmental Engineering Technologist or Technician

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians perform indoor and outdoor environmental quality work.

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field.

Education

Prospective environmental engineering technologists and technicians should take science and math courses in high school to prepare for postsecondary programs in engineering technology.

Employers usually prefer to hire candidates who have completed ABET-accredited postsecondary programs. Although some candidates may be hired with a high school diploma and postsecondary coursework, environmental engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field to enter the occupation.

Associate degree programs in environmental engineering technology are available in community colleges and vocational–technical schools. These programs generally include courses in chemistry, environmental assessment, hazardous-waste management, and mathematics. Some environmental engineering technologists and technicians enter the occupation with a bachelor’s degree.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Some states require environmental technologists and technicians to have permits or licenses to remove hazardous waste. Workers also may be required to have Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification. HAZWOPER certification includes training in health hazards, personal protective equipment, site safety, recognizing and identifying hazards, and decontamination. Refresher training may be required to maintain certification.

Advancement

Environmental engineering technologists and technicians usually begin work as trainees in entry-level positions and are supervised by an environmental engineer or experienced technician. As they gain experience, technologists and technicians take on more responsibility. Some advance to become senior environmental technologists and technicians or lead environmental technologists and technicians, functioning as supervisors onsite.

Technicians with a bachelor’s degree may advance to become environmental engineers.

Job Outlook

Employment of environmental engineering technologists and technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Despite limited employment growth, about 1,300 openings for environmental engineering technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Employment in this occupation is typically tied to projects created by environmental engineers. Some demand for environmental engineering technologists and technicians is expected over the decade as increasing concerns about pollution lead to water- and air-quality improvement efforts. However, employment growth may be limited as automated environmental testing increases productivity for these workers.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about accredited programs, visit

ABET

For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit

Technology Student Association

For information about OSHA certification, visit

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of environmental engineering technologists and technicians.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Environmental Engineers	Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.	Bachelor's degree	$96,530
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians	Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.	Associate's degree	$48,380
Environmental Scientists and Specialists	Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.	Bachelor's degree	$76,480
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.	High school diploma or equivalent	$46,690