Environmental science and protection technicians inspect various types of sites for environmental hazards. They take air, water and soil samples for laboratory analysis and use equipment to find out if the samples contain pollutants or toxic substances. Technicians document their procedures and prepare reports.
While particular education requirements for this job can vary, a qualified technician should have done coursework in chemistry, biology and other natural sciences. Technician positions tend to emphasize fieldwork or lab work, so make sure your environmental science and protection technician job description is clear as to which area your position is focused on.
To get the right applicants, include essential non-technical skills such as good communication. Technicians work in teams and follow instructions from supervising scientists, so you want applicants who know how to work productively with others. The following example offers further pointers on creating an effective environmental science and protection technician job description.
Environmental Science and Protection Technician Job Summary
If you love science and the outdoors, this opportunity could be for you! We are an environmental consulting firm that helps manufacturers ensure a safe environment and compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations. As an integral member of our inspections team, you will visit sites and take samples for analysis. While most of your time will be spent in the field, you will also have the opportunity to hone your laboratory skills. You will also have exciting opportunities to participate in cross-functional teams and work with top scientists and engineers to create comprehensive site assessments. You will work under the guidance of highly qualified environmental scientists who are always ready to share their knowledge with their team.
- Use proper technique to collect samples of water, soil, gases and building materials for laboratory testing, and document collections and tests
- Inspect industrial sites and surroundings to identify the presence of pollutants, spills and other environmental hazards, using specialized equipment
- Work with team members to prepare reports stating the teams findings, analyzing them and making recommendations for optimal methods of ensuring compliance with environmental standards
- Calibrate and use laboratory equipment to test and analyze field samples, record test results and use mathematical formulas to assess implications of results
- Communicate with supervisors and client representatives to explain inspection and test results as well as proposed compliance and safety plans
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create a comprehensive site study and report, developing a plan for eliminating unsafe conditions
- Maintain, monitor, calibrate, clean and operate field equipment
- Analyze future environmental impact of proposed developments or process changes, and make recommendations for amendments or alternatives in the case of negative impact
Job Skills & Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in environmental science or related field
- Proficiency in using field sample collection tools, including air monitors, air samples, flow monitors and meters, sampling pumps and augers
- Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time
- Team work and excellent work ethic
- Course work in mathematics
- Proficiency in use of laboratory equipment
- Familiarity with analytic software
Environmental Science and Protection Technician Job Responsibilities
When your go-to technician gets a long-awaited promotion and leaves you scrambling to find an exceptional replacement, how can you get the attention of the candidates you’re looking for? A good place to start is the job responsibilities section of your environmental science and protection technician job description. The significance of taking sufficient time to draft this section of your posting cannot be overstated. Summarizing the responsibilities of your staff provides jobseekers with a glimpse of the duties they may be performing on a daily basis should they get the job. It also helps them decide whether the position is one they should pursue.
Because of this section’s importance, make sure you write it clearly and succinctly to avoid any misunderstanding on the applicant’s part. While you want potential candidates to have a thorough understanding of the position, you don’t want them to feel overwhelmed by an abundance of information. For this reason, including secondary, less important tasks in your environmental science and protection technician job description is unnecessary. Instead, focus your efforts on primary obligations.
The following are examples of environmental science and protection technician job responsibilities:
- Inspect public facilities for sanitation standards
- Collect samples of asbestos products, soils, gases, water and other substances to assess pollutant levels
- Perform statistical analysis of collected environmental data
- Analyze potential environmental impacts of production processes and recommend changes if negative impacts arise
Environmental Science and Protection Technician Job Specifications
It’s easy to underestimate the job qualifications and skills section of your environmental science and protection technician job description, especially after writing the job responsibilities section. Compared to that large and descriptive section, a list of minimum requirements to fulfill the position can seem insignificant. However, it’s important to recognize this section is just as critical to the success of your document as the rest. When you write it well, you’re more likely to experience an inbox filled with an ample supply of resumes from qualified applicants.
As you begin drafting the requirements for your technicians, remember to have a detailed conversation with departmental leaders. Getting their input will give you more insight into their expectations for applicants. The new perspective will make writing your environmental science and protection technician job description much easier. It will also contribute to a clearer summary of the essential skills versus the nonessential. Offering jobseekers clarity regarding what’s required to qualify for the position will help them assess their eligibility more accurately, further assisting them in the application process and saving you time.
Check out these examples of environmental science and protection technician job specifications:
- Associate degree or higher
- At least 3 years’ experience in environmental science and protection
- Excellent interpersonal communications skills
- Outstanding critical thinking and problem solving skills