About This Career

Performs 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.

This career is part of the Energy cluster.

A person in this career:

• Discusses test results and analyses with customers.
• Records test data and prepares reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
• Develops or implements programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
• Investigates hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
• Calibrates microscopes or test instruments.
• Provides 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.
• Collects samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
• Monitors emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
• Inspects sanitary conditions at public facilities.
• Inspects workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel