Environmental technicians are technical support people who investigate, assess and monitor pollution levels in the air, water, and soil. They are sometimes referred to as pollution control technicians, if they work in waste-water treatment. They are employed by large industrial companies, environmental consultants, and provincial and federal government departments.
As an environmental technician, you can specialize in performing either air, water or soil analysis. The analysis combines elements of agriculture, biology, chemistry, meteorology and engineering.
You must first decide where you are going to take your samples. For example, you may gather gas samples from ventilation systems and smokestacks, or you may collect polluted seawater or industrial waste-water from lakes and streams located near factories. You may also set up equipment in the field to monitor changes in the environment.
Your next step is to analyse the substances and data you have collected. Your goal is to determine the characteristics of the substances and what pollutants they contain. Some of these tests may be conducted in the field using portable equipment, but most are done in laboratories. As an environmental technician, you earn an hourly wage.
This job will interest you if you are resourceful, inquisitive and familiar with environmental problems and the related regulations. A lot of what you do involves working with instruments and equipment. Consequently, you need to hae good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. You also need to know how to use various sensitive instruments.
Many aspects of this work, such as digging, climbing, or wading through water to gather samples, may be physically challenging. Exposure to unpleasant smells and to potentially dangerous substances are also often part of the job.
Environmental technicians must enjoy studying the natural and applied sciences. Since many of the reports you prepare require statistical analysis, you need at least a modest aptitude for mathematics and computers. The ability to communicate well with other technicians, engineers and scientists and with the general public is also essential. If you develop managerial skills you may eventually supervise other technicians.
The two-year college programs tend to focus on the practical, while the additional third year focuses on analysis and interpretation. Graduates from three-year programs tend to find jobs faster than those with only two years since they have a broader selection of jobs to choose from. They also tend to be promoted more quickly. A broad understanding of various types of air, water and soil pollution and the willingness to relocate will also enhance employment prospects.