DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
19-4091 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Occupational Description:
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 470 | 58 | $22.38/hr | $0.81/hr | $15.07/hr | $17.36/hr | $21.54/hr | $26.81/hr | $30.26/hr |
| U S | 30,320 | 576 | $22.23/hr | $0.16/hr | $13.13/hr | $16.27/hr | $20.76/hr | $27.11/hr | $34.30/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| Compliance Officers, Except Agriculture, Construction, Health and Safety, and Transportation | 20 | $33.75/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Collects samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, and asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels.
- Performs chemical and physical laboratory and field tests on collected samples to assess compliance with pollution standards, using test instruments.
- Examines and analyzes material for presence and concentration of contaminants such as asbestos in environment, using variety of microscopes.
- Calculates amount of pollutant in samples or computes air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
- Determines amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms and removing impurities from purification systems.
- Prepares samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discusses test results and analyses with customers.
- Calibrates microscopes and test instruments.
- Develops procedures and directs activities of workers in laboratory.
- Records test data and prepares reports, summaries, and charts, that interpret test results and recommend changes.
- Sets up equipment or station to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
- Weighs, analyzes, and measures collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
- Conducts standardized tests to ensure materials and supplies used throughout power supply system meet processing and safety specifications.