Picture this: You’re part of a team investigating water quality at a local river where residents have reported concerns. You’re collecting samples, operating sophisticated monitoring equipment, and analyzing data that will help determine if there’s a pollution problem and how to fix it.
Think about the last time you saw news about air quality improvements in your city or a successful cleanup of a contaminated site. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians are often the boots on the ground making these environmental victories possible.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians 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.
They may assist in the development of environmental remediation devices. These professionals serve as the practical backbone of environmental protection efforts, bridging the gap between environmental engineers and the actual implementation of solutions
Total Employment: 13,780 (2023)
Common Names for Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Automation Technician (Automation Tech)
- Electro-Mechanic, Electromechanical Assembler (EM Assembler)
- Electromechanical Technician (EM Technician)
- Electronics Technician (Electronics Tech)
- Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech)
- Process Control Tech
- Product Test Specialist
- Test Engineering Technician (Test Engineering Tech)
- Test Technician (Test Tech)
What Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians Do
The primary role is to implement environmental engineering solutions and conduct environmental monitoring and testing. Their core responsibilities include:
- Environmental Monitoring & Testing: Collect and analyze environmental samples (air, water, soil) to assess pollution levels and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, providing critical data for environmental protection decisions.
- Data Collection & Analysis: Record and interpret environmental data using standard scientific methods and equipment, helping engineers evaluate environmental problems and develop solutions.
- Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Maintain, calibrate, and operate specialized testing equipment and monitoring devices to ensure accurate environmental measurements and consistent data collection.
- Compliance Documentation: Prepare detailed reports documenting test results, environmental conditions, and regulatory compliance status, enabling organizations to demonstrate adherence to environmental standards.
- Field Investigation Support: Assist environmental engineers in field investigations, site assessments, and remediation projects, contributing to the identification and resolution of environmental issues.
- Quality Control Implementation: Perform quality control checks on samples and measurements to maintain data integrity and ensure reliability of environmental assessments.
- Safety Protocol Management: Follow and enforce safety protocols during environmental sampling and testing activities to protect personnel and maintain sample integrity.
- Technical Support: Provide technical assistance to engineers and scientists in developing environmental protection solutions and implementing pollution control measures.
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