Environmental Science Technicians operate at the intersection of field investigation and laboratory analysis. Daily tasks fluctuate between gathering physical samples—such as soil, air, groundwater, and wastewater—in varied outdoor environments and performing quantitative testing in controlled laboratory settings. The rhythm is driven by sample preservation windows, regulatory reporting deadlines, and response timelines for environmental hazards or remediation tracking.The role requires meticulous attention to detail, methodical recording practices, and adherence to chain-of-custody protocols. Technicians routinely solve operational challenges related to field equipment deployment, sample contamination prevention, and data anomaly verification. Those who thrive in this discipline tend to appreciate practical science application, active fieldwork, and the discipline of standardized scientific methodologies.
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Responsibilities
Collect environmental samples of air, water, soil, and waste following strict regulatory protocols.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instrumentation and field sampling equipment.
Perform chemical, physical, and biological analyses on collected environmental specimens.
Record detailed field observations and maintain strict chain-of-custody documentation.
Compile, summarize, and verify laboratory test results for senior scientists and regulatory filings.
Ensure adherence to health, safety, and hazardous material management guidelines.
Qualifications
Associate degree or higher in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience with standard environmental sampling techniques and laboratory instrumentation.
Working knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental regulations and compliance standards.
Valid driver's license and the physical capability to conduct fieldwork in diverse outdoor environments.
Nice to Have
OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.
Experience operating GIS mapping software and digital data collection platforms.
Prior background in groundwater monitoring well sampling and industrial hygiene assessment.
Environment
Divided between outdoor field sites in varied weather conditions and controlled laboratory environments.
Standard full-time business hours with occasional early mornings, weekends, or emergency response duties.
Frequent local or regional travel to industrial plants, landfills, water treatment facilities, and remote testing sites.
Routine use of personal protective equipment, laboratory spectrometers, multimeters, and physical sampling tools.
Benefits & Growth
Steady career progression toward senior technician, laboratory manager, or environmental scientist roles.
Standard benefits packages including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.
Overtime compensation opportunities during extensive field sampling campaigns or cleanup operations.
Employer-sponsored safety certifications, hazardous materials handling training, and technical upskilling.