Environmental Science Technician

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

5.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Environmental Science Technician?

Environmental Science Technicians are professionals who support environmental scientists and specialists in research, analysis, and problem-solving in the field of environmental science. They play a key role in monitoring the environment, collecting data, and helping to develop solutions to environmental problems.

Sample job titles:

Environmental Health Officer (EHO), Environmental Technician (Environmental Tech), Sanitarian, Soil Lab Technician (Soil Laboratory Technician)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Environmental Science Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Environmental Science Technician earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Environmental Science Technician.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$42K per year	$52K per year	$62K per year	$72K per year	$83K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.6K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Environmental Science Technician do?

Work environment

Environmental Science Technicians typically work in laboratories, offices, and in the field. Fieldwork may involve collecting samples of air, soil, water, and other materials for analysis, often in diverse and sometimes remote locations. Laboratory work includes processing and analyzing these samples, while office duties involve data interpretation and report preparation.

Quick task list

Collects and analyzes environmental samples (water, air, soil, etc.).
Operates and maintains laboratory and field equipment.
Documents findings and prepares reports on environmental data.
Assists in the development and implementation of environmental remediation and conservation projects.
Complies with environmental and safety regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Water Quality Analysis: Testing and analyzing water samples for pollutants and compliance with regulations.
Air Quality Monitoring: Assessing air samples to monitor pollutants and studying their effects on the environment.
Soil Testing: Analyzing soil samples for contamination and agricultural suitability.
Wildlife Conservation: Supporting efforts to protect and manage wildlife and natural habitats.
Waste Management: Assisting in the analysis and management of waste and recycling processes.

Description

Environmental Science Technicians are vital in efforts to understand and protect our natural environment. They support environmental scientists by performing the practical and technical work needed for environmental research and projects. Their responsibilities include collecting samples from various environments, conducting experiments in laboratories, and interpreting data to understand environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and conservation.

The occupation requires a combination of fieldwork and laboratory analysis. Technicians must be comfortable working outdoors, sometimes in challenging conditions, as well as proficient in laboratory procedures and techniques. They also need to be adept at using various types of scientific equipment and software for data analysis.

Environmental Science Technicians contribute to critical environmental initiatives, such as monitoring pollution levels, developing sustainable practices, and supporting ecological conservation efforts. The job offers an opportunity to make a tangible difference in protecting the environment and public health, appealing to those who are passionate about nature and science.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to environmental protection and conservation efforts.
The diversity of work environments, from outdoor fieldwork to laboratory research.
Seeing the direct impact of your work on improving environmental quality and sustainability.

You might make a good Environmental Science Technician if you are...

Passionate about environmental issues and sustainability.
Skilled in science, particularly in areas like biology, chemistry, or environmental science.
Comfortable with both fieldwork in various outdoor settings and detailed laboratory work.
Interested in working with scientific instruments and data analysis software.
Detail-oriented, with strong observational and analytical skills.

Pros:

A career that aligns with a passion for environmental protection.
Varied work settings and tasks.
Growing importance and relevance in the context of global environmental challenges.

Cons:

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and may require work in challenging conditions.
Potential exposure to hazardous materials or situations.
Balancing outdoor work with the requirement for meticulous data analysis and reporting.

How to become an Environmental Science Technician

Typical education

An associate degree in environmental science, environmental technology, or a related field is commonly required, which typically involves about 2 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may require a bachelor's degree or specific certifications.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology, chemistry, and environmental science to build foundational knowledge.
Mathematics, particularly statistics, for data analysis.
Computer science for proficiency in data management and analysis software.
Geography or earth sciences to understand ecological and environmental processes.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in environmental clubs or groups.
Engaging in science fairs or projects with an environmental focus.
Volunteering with local conservation projects, parks, or environmental organizations.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an associate or bachelor's degree program in environmental science, biology, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or part-time jobs in environmental laboratories, research centers, or conservation projects.
Acquire certifications in areas such as hazardous material handling or environmental monitoring, if relevant.
Stay informed about current environmental issues and technological advancements in the field.

More resources

Environmental Science Technicians - Bureau of Labor Statistics - Provides detailed occupational information and statistics.
National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) - Offers professional development and networking opportunities.
EcoCareers - A resource for finding internships and job opportunities in the environmental sector.
EnvironmentalScience.org - Provides educational resources and career guides for environmental science fields.

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