Environmental Science and Protection Technician
What is an environmental science and protection technician?
An environmental science and protection technician monitors the environment and investigates sources of pollution and contamination.
What does an environmental science and protection technician do?
They inspect establishments, including public places and businesses, to ensure that there are no environmental, health, or safety hazards. They set up and maintain equipment used to monitor pollution levels, and collect samples of air, soil, water, and other materials for laboratory analysis. they report on test results and discuss test results and analyses with clients. Most importantly, they verify compliance with regulations that help prevent environmental pollution.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental Science and Protection Technician Career Fast Facts:
| Education Requirements | Associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary education, although some positions require a bachelor’s degree |
| Recommended Degree Program | BS in Environmental Health and Safety |
| Median Salary (2019) | $46,540 |
| Workers Employed in U.S. (2018) | 34,800 |
| Projected Job Openings by 2028 | 38,000 |
| Projected Growth Rate | +9% |
| Job Prospects | Heightened public interest in issues involving the environment, such as fracking, as well as the increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, is expected to spur demand for environmental science and protection technicians. |
