An environmental technician applies science and technology skills to environmental issues, working as a consultant for companies on testing, compliance, and developing new technologies. The job covers a wide range of tasks, including laboratory work, testing air and soil quality, and ensuring compliance with government guidelines.
An environmental technician takes various skills from areas such as science and technology and applies them to environmental issues and projects. Many of these technicians work as consultants for other companies, advising on issues ranging from testing water and soil samples from a construction site to confirming that a company is complying with environmental laws. Because the technician’s job covers such a large area, he or she must be comfortable with computers and able to deal with individuals and employers one-on-one, as well as being knowledgeable in the field.
Environmental technology is an umbrella term, under which there are many different types of specialist jobs. An environmental technician may be responsible for testing a city’s air quality, overseeing the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste, or developing new technologies to improve an industry’s pollution control. There are several scientifically targeted fields such as analyzing soil and water samples for pollution and other foreign bodies. Other individuals may be more interested in the technological side of the occupation and would rather explore developing new, more cost-effective measures to minimize the carbon footprint of a building, city or entire sector. There are also administrative tasks an environmental technician can perform, such as ensuring that a company practices correct safety procedures and analyzing the cost-effectiveness of implementing new technologies.
Some people find working in a laboratory rewarding. In some environmental fields, there are already established guidelines for individuals to follow and work within. With the ever-changing world of environmental concerns, there are also areas where individuals can set new standards and methods for testing new technologies and systems. An environmental technician can be hired to test the cleanliness of the air or soil, establish a baseline or run tests that tell companies what kind of impact their procedures and processes are having on the environment. From obtaining and preparing samples, running lab tests, and interpreting the results, the technician often sees the job from start to finish.
When working in a specific industry, an environmental technician may be running samples and tests to ensure they comply with government guidelines. He or she might take air samples to ensure that the pollution released into the environment is not more than allowed, or regularly test the surrounding waters to ensure that nothing is being released into the environment that shouldn’t be. Sometimes an environmental technician interfaces with government agencies to ensure that all documents are properly filed and updated with industry compliance.
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