What They Do
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop.
Duties
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians typically do the following:- Set up, test, operate, and modify equipment used to prevent or clean up environmental pollution
- Maintain project records and computer program files
- Collect and analyze samples, such as of ground water, for monitoring pollution or treatment
- Review documents to ensure that they are complete and conform to reporting requirements
- Review work plans to schedule activities
- Arrange for the disposal of asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians work both indoors and outdoors help to ensure environmental quality. Their tasks aid environmental engineers in developing solutions to control, prevent, and mitigate damage caused by pollution and other environmental problems.
In laboratories, environmental engineering technologists and technicians record observations and test results and document photographs. To keep laboratories supplied, they also may gather product information, identify vendors and suppliers, and order materials and equipment.
In the field, environmental engineering technologists and technicians may collect air, soil, or ground and surface water samples of an area. They also prepare and clean equipment, operate field sampling pumps, and monitor instruments.
They also may inspect facilities for compliance with regulations governing substances such as asbestos, lead, and wastewater.
Work Environment
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians held about 12,900 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of environmental engineering technologists and technicians were as follows:
| Engineering services | 37% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 17 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Waste management and remediation services | 7 |
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians work under the direction of environmental engineers and as part of a team with other technicians. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians may work indoors, often in laboratories. They also work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.
Because environmental engineering technologists and technicians help with environmental cleanup, they may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. For this reason, they must follow proper safety procedures, such as wearing hazmat suits and respirators as needed. When they work in wet areas, environmental engineering technologists and technicians wear rubber boots to keep their legs and feet dry.
Work Schedules
Most environmental engineering technologists and technicians work full time and typically have regular hours. However, they may work irregular hours in order to monitor operations or contain a major environmental threat.
How to Become One
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree in environmental engineering technology or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for environmental engineering technologists and technicians was $58,890 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of environmental engineering technologists and technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,100 openings for environmental engineering technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.