Job Description
If you have a love for nature and science and want to pursue a career that helps improve the environment and public safety, a career as a Field Technician may be a great choice.
Field Technicians conduct tests on water, soil, and air to ascertain the environmental impact of potential pollution sources. Their work is crucial for preventing environmental degradation, public health threats, and violations of protective ecological laws and regulations.
Field Technicians do essential work and work in many fields, including environmental compliance, construction, and agriculture.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Collect water, soil, air and other samples for analysis to assess pollution and other problems
- Maintain data on samples and other fieldwork
- Perform basic calculations and computer data entry
- Prepare, maintain, and present reports and records
- Set up and operate equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites
Education and Background
This position requires an associate degree, preferably with courses in ecology, biology, chemistry, and global environmental issues. Employers often prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree and certification as an Environmental Professional.
Skills and Proficiencies
- Broad knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations
- Experience with ecological surveying and reporting
- Knowledge of various sampling techniques and equipment
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Robust technical writing, analytical, and communications skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and industry-related software
- Comfortable with fieldwork
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Field Technician with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $34,000
- Tampa, Florida: $34,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $33,000
- Miami, Florida: $36,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $35,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $41,000
- Houston, Texas: $39,000
- Los Angeles, California: $468,000
- New York City, New York: $40,000
- Seattle, Washington: $37,000
- Overall: $35,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $39,000
- Tampa, Florida: $38,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $39,000
- Miami, Florida: $40,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $40,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $43,000
- Houston, Texas: $39,000
- Los Angeles, California: $45,000
- New York City, New York: $45,000
- Seattle, Washington: $36,000
- Overall: $41,000
Similar Job Titles
- Restoration Technician
- Soil Technician
- Geological Engineer
- Environmental Scientist
Career Path
The path to becoming a Field Technician starts with earning an associate degree, preferably with courses in ecology, biology, chemistry, natural resource conservation, wetland management, and global environmental issues. Advancements in supervisory and managerial positions are higher for those who complete at least a bachelor’s degree program. Employers often prefer candidates with Environmental Professional certification.
Position Trends
Field Technicians will be expected to make valuable recommendations on how to balance growing environmental concerns with the ever-increasing demands of population growth. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management should spur demand for this position.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians should experience nine percent growth through 2028, a faster-than-average rate across all occupations.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours for a Field Technician are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, in an office, laboratory setting, or in the field.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
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