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Environmental pollution makes headlines

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in the news from time to time,

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but it’s the top concern every day

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for environmental engineering technicians.

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They run the equipment

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and collect test samples

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that monitor air and water quality

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to help keep the public healthy and secure.

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Environmental engineering technicians

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carry out the plans that

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environmental engineers develop.

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They operate equipment

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used to prevent or clean up

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environmental pollution,

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and modify the equipment

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to meet a particular need.

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They collect air and water samples,

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and work to mitigate sources

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of environmental pollution,

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including lead, asbestos,

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and other hazardous materials.

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In laboratories,

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and when inspecting facilities for compliance,

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these technicians record observations

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and test results.

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Some are responsible for

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maintaining supplies in their laboratories.

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Most technicians work full-time,

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regular business hours, in labs.

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If called on to contain

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a major environmental threat,

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or perform other work in a remote location,

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longer hours are common.

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Environmental engineering technicians

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can be exposed to hazards,

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and may need to wear hazmat suits,

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heavy rubber boots,

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and sometimes respirators,

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even in warm weather.

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Most environmental engineering technicians

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work in engineering services,

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consulting services, government,

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waste management, and manufacturing.

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An associate’s degree in

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environmental engineering technology

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or a related field is required

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to enter the field.

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High school science

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and math courses are helpful.