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What does a typical day look like as a Environmental Science and Protection Technician, Including Health?

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Research & DevelopmentGrowingBright Outlook

Environmental Science and Protection Technician, Including Health

Mid-level

Also known as: Air Analyst, Air Pollution Auditor, Air Quality Technician (Air Quality Tech), Analytical Lab Tech (Analytical Laboratory Technician)

Research & DevelopmentBachelor's Degree

Job 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.
Environmental ScienceEnvironmental HealthPollution ControlEnvironmental MonitoringField & Lab TestingResearchPublic HealthScienceEnvironmentSTEM

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the environmental consulting lab in downtown Phoenix, the desert sun already warm outside. Your first task is checking your email for urgent updates or new sample arrivals, then you head to the main analytical lab. You greet Alex, another technician, discussing the water samples from yesterday's river survey that need processing. Your day begins with calibrating the pH meter and ensuring the Hach DR3900 spectrophotometer is ready for the dissolved oxygen readings.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Adobe AcrobatAutodesk AutoCADESRI ArcGIS softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP software
In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Outlook

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+6.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

5,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

36,400

in 2025 → 38,900 (2035)

Typical entry education

Associate's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians is growing rapidly, with about 5,300 job openings expected each year through 2035. Employment is projected to increase by about 6.9%. With experience and further education, you could advance to roles like Environmental Scientist or Environmental Engineer.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Field Sampler
  • Environmental Aide

Where it can lead

  • Environmental Scientist
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Health Specialist

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly enhance this career by automating data analysis from sensors and field tests, improving predictive modeling for pollution sources, and optimizing sample collection routes. This will allow technicians to focus more on complex problem-solving, interpretation, and direct environmental interventions rather than routine monitoring tasks.

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Salary

$55,090

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Environmental Geosciences

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Climate Science

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General

Bachelor • Natural Sciences & Mathematics • 4 years

Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Agronomy and Crop Science

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

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