Find Trade Colleges

Environmental Engineering Technician

Life As an Environmental Engineering Technician

Job Description: Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientist. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.

A Day in the Life of an Environmental Engineering Technician

  • Prepare permit applications or review compliance with environmental permits.
  • Model biological, chemical, or physical treatment processes to remove or degrade pollutants.
  • Oversee support staff.
  • Review work plans to schedule activities.
  • Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
  • Improve chemical processes to reduce toxic emissions.

What Every Environmental Engineering Technician Should Know

Environmental Engineering Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Other Environmental Engineering Technician Job Titles

  • Haz Tech (Hazardous Technician)
  • Senior Environmental Technician
  • Compliance Aide
  • Air Analysis Technician
  • Quality Technician

Environmental Engineering Technician Job Outlook

There were about 17,000 jobs for Environmental Engineering Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,100 new jobs for Environmental Engineering Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,700 job openings in this field each year.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Environmental Engineering Technician are Utah, Florida, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, West Virginia, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of an Environmental Engineering Technician

The average yearly salary of an Environmental Engineering Technician ranges between $32,380 and $82,800.

undefined

Environmental Engineering Technicians who work in Washington, Oregon, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Environmental Engineering Technicians in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $50,550
Alaska $58,490
Arizona $48,190
California $59,600
Colorado $60,350
Connecticut $55,150
Delaware $57,780
Florida $46,540
Georgia $45,610
Hawaii $56,180
Idaho $52,730
Illinois $53,270
Indiana $43,940
Iowa $50,980
Kansas $50,880
Kentucky $47,240
Louisiana $51,740
Maine $55,450
Maryland $60,150
Massachusetts $59,120
Michigan $47,640
Mississippi $50,180
Missouri $43,890
Montana $43,790
Nebraska $53,200
Nevada $58,970
New Hampshire $55,700
New Jersey $46,630
New Mexico $49,970
New York $58,010
North Carolina $44,410
North Dakota $55,680
Ohio $48,200
Oklahoma $49,330
Oregon $59,270
Pennsylvania $48,450
Tennessee $56,500
Texas $54,190
Utah $43,600
Vermont $49,630
Virginia $47,060
Washington $70,190
West Virginia $54,490
Wisconsin $54,480
Wyoming $58,980

What Tools do Environmental Engineering Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Environmental Engineering Technicians:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Python
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Database software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • SAS
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Bentley Microstation
  • Statistical software
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Presentation software

Becoming an Environmental Engineering Technician

What education is needed to be an Environmental Engineering Technician?

undefined

What work experience do I need to become an Environmental Engineering Technician?

undefined

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those interested in being an Environmental Engineering Technician may also be interested in:

Those who work as an Environmental Engineering Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.