Job Title / Job Description

Environmental Technician  

I work for an environmental services company, which has a contract to manage hazardous waste for a manufacturing company. We label and track and ship barrels of chemicals/waste and keep track of compliance with EPA regulations.  

What are some related career opportunities and job titles in your company or in your career area?

Related jobs include: Field chemist * Biologist * Chemist * Geologist * Inspector * Civil Engineer. This field will be very hot in the coming decade as environmental standards become more rigorous.

What new technology will be important?

Testing and monitoring equipment

What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?

I completed several certificates in environmental services before I started this job. The company is paying for me to attend additional training, and I am taking classes at night so that I can advance.  

What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?

I recommend starting by earning some certificates and then moving on to a 2- or 4-year degree program. I recommend the 40-hour OSHA training certificate, Confined Space Training, Field Chemist, DOT training on shipping hazardous materials, other courses.

When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?

No. I entered this field after working in other jobs for several years.