Life, Physical & Social Science
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Also called: Environmental Health Officer (EHO), Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech), Industrial Pretreatment Program Specialist (IPP Specialist), Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician)
US median pay
$55,090
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+6.9%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
5,300
36,400 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Systems Analysis3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Chemistry3.5/5
- Biology3.4/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree68%
- Associate's degree23%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.