Environmental Technician

Think

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. 

Margaret Mead
Environmental Technician

In A Nutshell

I work on projects to monitor, protect, and clean up the environment.

I monitor levels of chemicals in the environment through sampling and laboratory analysis.  

I take part in environmental assessments and join in on clean-up projects.

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Potential Salary Range

$59,300 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Nunavut NU
Nunavut
Northwest Territories NWT
Northwest Territories
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan
Yukon Territories YT
Yukon Territories

My time is split between office and field work. Field work is great because it’s always an adventure, whereas office work is valuable because the data we collect in the field starts to have relevance and direction.

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Collect water samples for laboratory analysis
  • Install and maintain data collection equipment
  • Operate equipment like pumps, vacuums, and bobcats
  • Set up stations to collect and monitor pollutants
  • Keep detailed records of data and observations 

Education & Training

  • A university degree or college diploma in environmental studies or a related field is required.
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Job Outlook

    The outlook for prospective environmental technicians is fair, meaning experts predict there will be slightly fewer available jobs than there will be people to fill them.  

Related School Subjects

Science
Social Studies
Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Protection Wildlife Biodiversity Environment

Important Skills

adaptability-transformation-adjust-change-mutation-revolotion

Adaptability

Working in this job means a lot of time spent in the field. While working outdoors can be great, you have to be pretty resilient and adapt to the rough working conditions, like rain and snow! 

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Research

Science is ever-changing when it comes to nutrition. Having a strong skill set in understanding and analyzing research is key.

Physical

Traipsing through streams, lugging heavy equipment, hauling heavy samples.... environmental work can be a very physically demanding job.

Patience

Often, we don’t see the results from what we’re doing for a long while. Technicians have to be patient and understand that even though we might not see immediate results, the work we’re doing is important and fits into a bigger picture.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Working With A Team
Improves and Protects the Environment
Helps Others
Making a Difference in the World