What Does an Environmental Field Technician Do?
An environmental field technician supports environmental investigations and monitoring efforts by collecting samples, conducting site inspections, and operating testing equipment in the field. These professionals work alongside engineers and scientists to assess environmental conditions, identify contamination, and ensure regulatory compliance through accurate data collection and documentation.
Their work is primarily conducted outdoors and often involves travel to industrial sites, landfills, water bodies, or construction zones. Technicians play a critical role in executing environmental studies and supporting cleanup or remediation projects. By maintaining detailed records, calibrating instruments, and following safety protocols, they ensure that environmental assessments are thorough, accurate, and compliant with industry standards.
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Environmental Field Technician Core Responsibilities
- Collect air, soil, groundwater, and surface water samples from various sites
- Operate and calibrate field monitoring and sampling equipment
- Conduct site inspections and record environmental conditions
- Assist with environmental surveys, remediation, and cleanup activities
- Transport samples to laboratories and maintain accurate chain-of-custody records
- Prepare field logs, reports, and documentation for regulatory compliance
- Support compliance testing related to EPA, OSHA, or state environmental standards
- Follow established safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Communicate findings to project leads or environmental engineers
- Maintain and organize field supplies and sampling gear
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency using field equipment such as water quality meters, air samplers, and GPS units
- Understanding of sampling methods, decontamination procedures, and hazardous material handling
- Ability to read and interpret site maps, safety data sheets, and technical documents
- Familiarity with environmental regulations and quality assurance practices
- Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
- Ability to follow strict protocols and procedures
- Good physical stamina and willingness to work in variable weather and terrain
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Problem-solving skills for addressing unexpected field conditions
Education
- Associate’s degree or coursework in environmental science, geology, biology, or related field
- Bachelor’s degree may be preferred for advancement or complex project roles
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification (required for hazardous waste or contaminated site work)
- Additional site-specific safety training or certifications may be required depending on the employer or location
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with environmental sampling, remediation, or industrial site monitoring
- Knowledge of GIS mapping or environmental data management software
- Experience working under environmental consulting firms or regulatory agencies
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to travel frequently
National Average Salary
Environmental field technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Environmental Field Technician is:
$54,765
Sample Job Description Templates for Environmental Field Technicians
Junior Environmental Field Technician
Position Overview
The junior environmental field technician provides hands-on support for environmental assessments, field monitoring, and sample collection under close supervision. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals beginning their environmental careers and looking to gain experience working outdoors and with monitoring equipment.
Responsibilities
- Assist in collecting environmental samples, including air, water, and soil
- Set up and maintain field equipment under supervision
- Record site observations and assist with documentation
- Transport samples to labs and ensure chain-of-custody protocols are followed
- Perform basic field tests and assist with decontamination procedures
- Support field team with logistics and equipment preparation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of environmental sampling procedures
- Ability to use handheld instruments like pH meters and GPS devices
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or field data entry tools
- Knowledge of PPE use and basic site safety
Soft skills
- Dependability and eagerness to learn
- Good verbal communication
- Ability to follow detailed instructions
- Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate’s degree or relevant coursework preferred
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification (required for hazardous site work; can be obtained after hire)
Senior Environmental Field Technician
Position Overview
The senior environmental field technician leads field data collection activities and mentors junior staff while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This role requires strong technical expertise and the ability to manage complex field assignments with minimal oversight.
Responsibilities
- Conduct and oversee sampling of soil, groundwater, surface water, and air
- Calibrate and maintain field equipment for environmental monitoring
- Interpret field data and troubleshoot anomalies during sampling events
- Train and supervise junior technicians on protocols and safety practices
- Compile field data for use in technical reports and regulatory submissions
- Coordinate logistics for field activities, including equipment and scheduling
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in multi-media sampling and QA/QC procedures
- Experience operating environmental monitoring equipment
- Understanding of EPA and OSHA regulatory standards
- Familiarity with GPS/GIS tools and field data software
Soft skills
- Leadership and team mentoring skills
- Independent problem-solving in field conditions
- Clear communication and technical writing ability
- Time management across multiple concurrent projects
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification
- Additional site-specific training or DOT certification may be required
Lead Environmental Field Technician
Position Overview
The lead environmental field technician manages on-site operations, ensuring that sampling, monitoring, and compliance tasks are executed efficiently and safely. This role serves as the primary field contact for project managers and clients.
Responsibilities
- Direct all aspects of field operations on environmental projects
- Coordinate sampling schedules and ensure accurate data collection
- Serve as on-site lead for safety, quality control, and client communication
- Troubleshoot field challenges and resolve issues in real-time
- Maintain field documentation and ensure compliance with protocols
- Oversee mobilization and demobilization of field teams and equipment
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in field sampling and equipment calibration
- Strong working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations
- Experience managing large or multi-site field projects
- Proficient with technical report inputs and site documentation
Soft skills
- On-site leadership and conflict resolution
- Strong interpersonal communication with clients and contractors
- Excellent organizational and coordination abilities
- Adaptability to changing site conditions and project demands
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, or a related field
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification
- First Aid/CPR certification recommended
Environmental Field Supervisor
Position Overview
The environmental field supervisor oversees field operations across multiple projects and ensures that all activities meet company standards and regulatory requirements. This leadership role includes managing personnel, resources, and schedules.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and schedule field staff across concurrent projects
- Conduct quality reviews of field activities and documentation
- Coordinate with project managers to align field work with project objectives
- Enforce safety standards and ensure staff compliance with training protocols
- Manage field budgets, resource allocation, and logistics planning
- Serve as point of contact for client representatives during site work
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong command of environmental regulations and sampling protocols
- Experience with scheduling, staffing, and reporting in a field capacity
- Ability to train, evaluate, and manage field personnel
- Familiarity with project tracking systems and reporting tools
Soft skills
- High-level organization and prioritization
- Professional communication with staff and external stakeholders
- Leadership under pressure and in diverse field conditions
- Focus on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field preferred
- Equivalent field experience may be accepted in place of degree
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification
- Supervisor-level safety training certifications preferred
Environmental Field Coordinator
Position Overview
The environmental field coordinator plans and supports all logistical and administrative aspects of environmental field operations. This behind-the-scenes role ensures that projects run efficiently by managing schedules, supplies, personnel assignments, and data flow.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate field schedules, site access, and staff assignments
- Track field progress and provide updates to project managers
- Maintain inventory of sampling equipment and PPE
- Ensure proper documentation and chain-of-custody records are submitted
- Assist in compiling field data and preparing internal reports
- Monitor training and certification compliance for field staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of environmental field procedures and regulatory timelines
- Proficiency with scheduling tools and project coordination software
- Ability to manage field records and QA/QC documentation
- Familiarity with procurement and equipment tracking systems
Soft skills
- Strong attention to logistical detail
- Clear, proactive communication with multiple stakeholders
- Organizational skills for juggling multiple field teams
- Process-oriented with a focus on efficiency and compliance
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in environmental science, project management, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification (may be required depending on site involvement)