Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health — Tasks

Task statements

• Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
• Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
• Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
• Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
• Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
• Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
• Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
• Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
• Provide 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.
• Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
• Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
• Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
• Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
• Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
• Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
• Develop testing procedures.
• Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
• Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs.
• Direct activities of workers in laboratory.
• Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.
• Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
• Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
• Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.
• Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.
• Distribute permits, closure plans, or cleanup plans.