Most employers prefer environmental science technicians to hold an on-campus or online degree in specialized postsecondary training in a science discipline. An associates or bachelors degree in applied or natural sciences are good preparation for a career as an environmental science technician.
Related Environmental Science Technician Programs
What does an environmental science technician do?
In general, the responsibilities of technicians are more practically focused than those of scientists. Technicians collect samples, maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations and record results. They always must keep detailed logs of their work.
Environmental science technicians spend time in the field performing tests to monitor environmental resources. They determine and analyze contaminants and the sources of environmental pollution. The technician then may get involved in trying to determine how to decrease the sources of pollution in the air, water or on land.
Some technicians take part in analyzing waste management processes. If this is the case, than the duties of the environmental science technician may include the control and management of the hazardous material inventory or other general activities regarding regulatory compliance of waste disposal.
What kind of education does an environmental science technician need?
Individuals interested in working as an environmental science technician need to take all of the high school math and science courses that they can. When taking an associate or bachelors degree program, the curriculum should be more laboratory oriented. A solid grasp of math and science fundamentals is essential.
An environmental science technician should expect to see courses relating to the environment such as hydrology (the study of water), geology, earth sciences, chemistry, topography and the cause and effect of air and water pollution.
Whatever their education, technicians need onsite training which they can get in school or on the job.
How much does an environmental science technician earn?
Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that median annual salaries for environmental science technicians are at around $43,180.
Where can an environmental science technician work?
Often environmental science technicians work for private consulting firms under the management of an environmental scientist. Their expertise is also used in laboratores and in the federal government.