Environmental Science and Protection Technician

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Environment and Society
Secondary Topic: Physical Geography

Overview: Environmental science and protection technician monitor and investigate pollution and contamination in the environment, especially related to public health. They must inspect businesses or public places for hazards, collect samples, use equipment to evaluate the samples, prepare reports, discuss analysis with clients, and verify compliance to prevent pollution. These technicians work under the supervision of specialists, often working with teams on site or in a lab. They also work on teams to manage cleanups of contaminated areas Environmental science and protection technicians work in consulting firms, for state and local governments, or at testing laboratories. People with a background in geography would work well in this field with their understanding of environmental hazards and the interactions of people and the environment. Increasing public interest in the environment means this will be a growing field in the coming decade.

Geographers at work: Environmental geographers, Physical geographers, GIS and Remote Sensing Specialists, Climatologists

Recommended College Courses: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, Introduction to Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Introduction in Environmental Geography, Natural Resource Use and Management, Water Resources Planning, Solid Waste Planning and Management, Air Quality Management, Cultural and Political Ecology, Regional Field Studies, Environmental Hazards, Water Policy, Maps and Mapmaking, GPS and GIS

Skills: GIS and remote sensing, Geospatial technology, Environmental Mapping and modeling, Field methods

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Learn more about Environmental Science and Protection Technician from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-science-and-protection-technicians.htm