Environmental Engineering Technician

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.
• Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
• Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
• Document design or operational test results.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
• Prepare technical or operational reports.
• Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.

Typical Working Conditions

• Using email.
• Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.
• Working with a group or team.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Responsibility for others’ health and safety.
• Working outdoors exposed to weather.
• Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.

Tools & Technology used by Environmental Engineering Technicians

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Environmental Engineering Technicians

• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Mathematics—Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Science—Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Making Decisions—Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Environmental Engineering Technicians

• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Mechanical—Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Chemistry—Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
• Biology—Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Physics—Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
• Building and Construction—Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative—Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is high growth compared to other careers. There will be a need for about 783 new Environmental Engineering Technicians to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career requires an Associates degree.

View the local continuing education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Accounting
• Algebra I and II
• Biology
• Business English
• Chemistry
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Science
• Mechanics
• Trigonometry
• Wildlife Management

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise