Environmental Engineering Technicians: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
- Education Required
- Environmental engineering technicians typically need an associates degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field. Programs in environmental engineering technology generally include courses in mathematics, chemistry, hazardous-waste management, and environmental assessment, among others.
- Training Required
- Some environmental technician positions require training on working with hazardous materials in accordance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 13% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Environmental engineering technicians usually begin work as trainees in entry-level positions supervised by an environmental engineer or a more experienced technician. As they gain experience, technicians take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under general supervision. Some eventually enter positions as senior environmental technicians or lead environmental technicians, who function as supervisors when onsite.
- Median pay: How much do Environmental Engineering Technicians make?
- $49,170 Annual Salary
- $23.64 per hour
Environmental engineering technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop.
What do Environmental Engineering Technicians do?
Environmental engineering 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
- Conduct pollution surveys, for which they collect and analyze samples, such as samples of air and ground water
- Perform indoor and outdoor work on environmental quality
- Work to mitigate sources of environmental pollution
- Review technical documents to ensure their completeness and conformance to requirements
- Review work plans to schedule activities
- Arrange for the disposal of lead, asbestos, and other hazardous materials
In laboratories, environmental engineering technicians record observations, test results, and document photographs. To keep laboratories supplied, they also may gather product information, identify vendors and suppliers, and order materials and equipment.
Environmental engineering technicians help environmental engineers develop devices used to clean up environmental pollution. They also inspect facilities for compliance with the regulations that govern substances such as asbestos, lead, and wastewater.
Careers for Environmental Engineering Technicians
- Air analysis engineering technicians
- Environmental remediation engineering technicians
- Environmental technicians
- Pollution control engineering technicians