Environmental Technician Jobs

Assessment and Awareness Sector

The duties of a technician are extremely diverse due to the fact that there are so many different fields in which a technician can specialize.

Generally speaking, a technician is someone who employs science, engineering and mathematics to solve a variety of technical problems. In many cases, this involves working in maintenance, construction and inspection, but technicians may also be involved in sales and research and development. Technicians differ from engineers in that their work is more focused on practice than theory. As such, they may assist engineers in their day-to-day work, but a typical day can be quite different and not only their duties. For example, an electrical engineer may be more involved in designing a device or electrical component, while an engineering technician has a more hands-on role in constructing prototypes and testing them. In some cases, technicians may aid engineers in designing these devices as well.

One subset of technicians, environmental engineering technicians, play a large part in the green energy field. They may work both in the field of alternative energy production and in traditional energy sectors, like oil, where they work to minimize the harmful effects on the environment. Although the position may require theories and principles of physics, mathematics and science at times, environmental engineering technicians are more concerned with practical application, devising methods and helping to construct devices that will help to lessen harmful effects on the environment.

Educational and Training Requirements

Nine times out of ten, you’re going to need training and a formal education in order to become an environmental technician.

At the very least, a two-year associate’s degree in engineering technology is recommended. Those who have successfully completed college courses in physics, mathematics and engineering may be able to find some lower-level jobs however some kind of formal training resulting in a degree is always preferred. The most common accreditation for courses is the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. If you take courses accredited by this board, you can expect to take algebra, trigonometry and some science courses. Because there are many fields in which a technician may specialize, the specific requirements for each vocation vary.

Keep in mind that the educational courses you complete should reflect your desired field. In order to become an environmental technician, for example, you should make sure to take courses in environmental law and regulations, in addition to more general engineering and science courses. The United States Army is a good place to receive training as a technician, though education may need to be supplemented with college courses. Though it isn’t necessary to obtain certification, The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies offers certification programs that will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Salary and Advancement Opportunities

Depending on your education and experience, there is room for advancement in the technician field and over time some technicians may move to more supervisory roles. Salaries vary greatly depending on the kind of technician. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual income for electrical and electronic engineer technicians to be $53,990, compared to $50,070 for industrial engineering technicians and $50,040 for mechanical engineering technicians. Research more salary information here: