Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Environmental Technologist

🎯 Role Definition

The Environmental Technologist is a crucial member of our environmental services team, responsible for the technical execution of projects related to site investigation, remediation, and compliance monitoring. This role involves a significant amount of fieldwork, where you will apply scientific principles and technical skills to gather high-quality, defensible data. You will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate complex environmental regulations and achieve their sustainability goals. Success in this position requires a strong work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Environmental Field Technician
Laboratory Technician
Recent Graduate (Environmental Science, Geology, etc.)

Advancement To:

Senior Environmental Technologist
Environmental Scientist
Project Manager
Environmental Compliance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Coordinator
GIS Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute comprehensive environmental field sampling programs, including the collection of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, and air samples in strict accordance with industry-standard protocols and project-specific work plans.
Operate, maintain, and proficiently calibrate a wide range of advanced environmental monitoring and sampling equipment, such as Photoionization Detectors (PIDs), multi-gas meters, water quality sondes, and GPS units.
Provide on-site oversight and detailed documentation for environmental remediation and construction activities, including soil excavation, drilling operations (e.g., monitoring well installation), and system installations.
Conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to identify potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities, involving historical research, site reconnaissance, and interviews.
Meticulously document all field activities through detailed field notes, boring logs, well construction diagrams, and photographic records to ensure data integrity and defensibility.
Manage and ensure the accuracy of sample chain-of-custody documentation from collection to laboratory submission, coordinating with analytical laboratories to meet project deadlines and quality standards.
Perform routine environmental compliance inspections and audits at industrial, commercial, and construction sites to assess adherence to federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
Assist in the preparation and authoring of complex technical documents, including investigation reports, remediation work plans, permit applications, and Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
Compile, organize, and perform preliminary analysis on environmental data using software such as Microsoft Excel, and assist in the visualization of data using GIS and CADD software.
Monitor and maintain environmental management systems (EMS), such as ISO 14001, to drive continuous improvement and ensure ongoing compliance with corporate and regulatory standards.
Manage the characterization, segregation, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams, ensuring proper labeling, manifesting, and record-keeping in compliance with RCRA regulations.
Respond to, investigate, and document environmental incidents, spills, and releases, implementing initial containment measures and supporting subsequent corrective actions.
Conduct monitoring of air emissions, wastewater effluent, and stormwater discharges to verify compliance with permit limits and prepare associated regulatory reports.
Uphold and champion a strong safety culture by strictly adhering to company and client-specific health and safety protocols during all field and office activities.
Analyze and interpret laboratory analytical results against applicable regulatory screening levels and site-specific cleanup criteria.
Perform remedial system operation and maintenance (O&M) tasks, including system monitoring, data collection, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical components.

Secondary Functions

Support project managers with budget tracking, task scheduling, and resource coordination for various environmental projects.
Interface directly with clients, subcontractors, and regulatory agency personnel in a professional manner, providing clear communication and project status updates.
Participate in the development and delivery of environmental compliance and safety training programs for facility personnel and contractors.
Utilize GPS technology for precise sample location mapping and site feature documentation for integration into GIS platforms.
Maintain, inventory, and procure field equipment and sampling supplies to ensure project readiness.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of field methodologies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Environmental Sampling: Expertise in soil, groundwater, surface water, and air/vapor sampling techniques.
Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of federal and state regulations (e.g., RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA).
Field Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting environmental field instruments (PIDs, water quality meters, etc.).
Technical Writing: Ability to assist in preparing clear and concise technical reports, field logs, and work plans.
Safety Certification: OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification is typically required.
Data Management: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data tabulation and analysis.
Mapping Software: Familiarity with GIS, AutoCAD, or similar platforms for site mapping and data visualization.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to fieldwork, documentation, and data quality.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to address unexpected field conditions and technical challenges.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with team members, clients, and regulators.
Independence & Teamwork: Ability to work autonomously in the field while also functioning as a key player within a project team.
Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to work in various weather conditions and challenging outdoor environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in a relevant scientific field.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science
Geology or Hydrogeology
Chemistry or Biology
Environmental Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct experience in environmental consulting, field services, or a related industrial role.

Preferred:

Experience performing Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments.
Hands-on experience with drilling oversight, soil logging, and monitoring well installation.
Experience in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of environmental remediation systems.