Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians typically perform the following 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. • Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards. • Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants. • Calibrate microscopes or test instruments. • Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety. • Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations. • Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment. • Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation. • Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations. • Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities. • Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas. • Develop testing procedures. • Perform statistical analysis of environmental data. • Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs. • Direct activities of workers in laboratory. • Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.