According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution. | 81% |
| Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis. | 81% |
| Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results. | 80% |
| Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis. | 77% |
| Discuss test results and analyses with customers. | 75% |
| Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards. | 74% |
| Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations. | 74% |
| Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants. | 73% |
| Calibrate microscopes or test instruments. | 73% |
| 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. | 73% |
| Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations. | 72% |
| Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities. | 70% |
| Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment. | 70% |
| Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation. | 70% |
| Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations. | 70% |
| Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities. | 68% |
| Conduct standardized tests to ensure materials or supplies used throughout power supply systems meet processing and safety specifications. | 68% |
| Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas. | 67% |
| Develop testing procedures. | 65% |
| Perform statistical analysis of environmental data. | 65% |
| Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems. | 63% |
| Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs. | 61% |
| Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts. | 60% |
| Direct activities of workers in laboratory. | 60% |
| Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes. | 60% |
| Distribute permits, closure plans, or cleanup plans. | 57% |
