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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Environment Technician

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

Environmental ScienceField ServicesComplianceTechnicianEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

As an Environment Technician, you are the hands-on backbone of our environmental projects, ensuring compliance, safety, and data integrity from the field. You will be responsible for conducting a wide range of environmental sampling, site assessments, and monitoring activities. This role requires a love for the outdoors, a strong technical aptitude, and a meticulous approach to data collection and safety. You will work on diverse project sites, from industrial facilities to undeveloped land, playing a critical role in protecting our natural resources and ensuring our clients meet their regulatory obligations. This position is ideal for a proactive and detail-oriented individual looking to build a rewarding career in the environmental services industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Environmental Science or Geology Graduate
  • Field Intern or Co-op Student
  • Laboratory Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Environment Technician
  • Environmental Scientist / Geologist / Engineer
  • Environmental Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Health and Safety (EHS) Technician
  • Compliance Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive field sampling of various environmental media, including groundwater, soil, surface water, sediment, and air, using industry-standard equipment and methodologies.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain a wide array of field monitoring and sampling equipment, such as photoionization detectors (PIDs), multi-gas meters, water quality sondes, and peristaltic pumps.
  • Meticulously document all field activities, observations, and data on field forms, in bound logbooks, and through digital data collection applications, ensuring accuracy and defensibility.
  • Prepare environmental samples for laboratory analysis, which includes proper preservation, labeling, and completion of chain-of-custody forms to maintain sample integrity from collection to analysis.
  • Adhere strictly to project-specific Health and Safety Plans (HASPs), actively participating in safety briefings and promoting a culture of safety on all job sites.
  • Perform routine inspections and monitoring for environmental compliance, including Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspections and hazardous waste site assessments.
  • Assist in the oversight of subcontractors, such as drilling or excavation crews, to ensure work is completed according to project specifications and safety protocols.
  • Utilize GPS technology to accurately document sample locations, site features, and other critical spatial data for integration into project maps and GIS systems.
  • Support emergency response activities by providing rapid, on-site technical assistance for spills of oil or hazardous materials.
  • Assist with Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) by conducting site reconnaissance, historical research, and subsurface investigations.
  • Perform operation and maintenance (O&M) on remediation systems, including soil vapor extraction (SVE) and groundwater pump-and-treat systems.
  • Execute soil boring and monitoring well installation, including soil classification using systems like the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).
  • Collect and manage large sets of field data, ensuring quality control and preparing data tables for inclusion in technical reports.
  • Assist project managers and scientists with the preparation of technical reports, work plans, and summary letters by providing accurate field data and observations.
  • Conduct building material surveys for asbestos, lead-based paint, and other hazardous materials prior to renovation or demolition activities.
  • Perform aquifer testing, including slug tests and pumping tests, to evaluate hydrogeologic characteristics of a site.
  • Communicate effectively with clients, regulators, and team members regarding field activities, site conditions, and project progress.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve equipment malfunctions and unexpected field conditions independently and effectively to minimize project downtime.
  • Ensure proper management, labeling, and manifesting of investigation-derived waste (IDW) in accordance with federal and state regulations.
  • Maintain field vehicles and equipment, ensuring they are clean, organized, and fully stocked for upcoming project assignments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support project managers with task-level budget tracking and scheduling of field activities.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of field standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.
  • Mentor junior technicians or interns on proper field techniques and company safety culture.
  • Participate in internal training programs to expand technical knowledge and obtain new certifications.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Environmental Sampling: Proven ability in collecting soil, groundwater, air, and surface water samples in accordance with EPA, state, and ASTM methods.
  • Field Instrumentation: Proficiency in the operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of common environmental field equipment (e.g., PID, XRF, water quality meters, gas detectors).
  • Technical Documentation: Strong ability to complete detailed and accurate field notes, boring logs, and chain-of-custody documentation.
  • HAZWOPER Certification: Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training with up-to-date 8-hour refreshers is highly preferred.
  • Data Management: Competency in using software like Microsoft Excel for data entry, tabulation, and basic analysis.
  • GPS/GIS: Experience using handheld GPS units for field mapping and a basic understanding of GIS principles for data visualization.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Hands-on ability to maintain and perform minor repairs on field equipment and remediation systems.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with key environmental regulations such as RCRA, CERCLA, and the Clean Water Act is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough approach to all tasks, from data collection to equipment calibration, ensuring accuracy and quality.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and adapt to unexpected field conditions, making sound decisions to keep projects on track.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with team members, clients, and subcontractors.
  • Work Ethic & Independence: Self-motivated with the ability to work independently for extended periods in remote or challenging environments.
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to work outdoors for long hours in various weather conditions and lift/carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary project team.
  • Safety Conscious: A deep-rooted commitment to following safety procedures without compromise.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma with significant relevant field experience OR an Associate's Degree in a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Science
  • Geology or Hydrogeology
  • Biology or Chemistry
  • Environmental Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-4 years of relevant experience.

Preferred: 1-2 years of direct, hands-on field experience in environmental consulting, remediation, or a related industrial setting. Experience with drilling oversight and remediation system O&M is highly desirable. A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required for this position.

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