Environmental Safety Technician

Working Schedule

Environmental Safety Technicians typically work full-time. Overtime may be required for emergency response situations or to meet project deadlines. Some travel may be necessary for site evaluations.

Typical Duties

• Monitor workplace environmental conditions; check for adherence to regulations
• Apply codes, regulations, laws, and policies related to worker health and safety
• Conduct inspections and audits to identify potential safety hazards and environmental risks. Ensure safe levels of air and water quality
• Check emission control devices for proper functioning
• Collect and analyze samples of soil, water, and gas for contaminants and pollutants, following Environmental Protection Agency guidelines
• Analyze and interpret environmental data using modeling, simulation tools, and Geographic Information Systems
• Assist in developing and implementing safety programs and emergency response plans to safeguard workers against hazardous practices and materials
• Communicate safety-related information to employees, managers, and contractors
• Provide workplace safety training; document training records, as needed
• Ensure proper use of safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• Research Safety Data Sheets, perform Toxic Substances Control Act assessments, authorize chemical use, and administer chemical tracking
• Follow guidelines in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
• Develop data-driven action/mitigation plans, including testing and treating Acid Mine Drainage water
• Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans to ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
• Provide support in hazardous waste management labeling, storage, transport, and disposal
• Assist in applying for environmental and health safety permits
• Analyze incident data for trends in mishaps, injuries, and hazards

Additional Responsibilities

• Calibrate test instrument
• Cooperate with external inspections
• Implement Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures, as applicable
• Conduct monitoring and reporting to government agencies as required
• Maintain records related to waste characterization
• Support investigations of incidents and accidents; determine root causes and recommend preventive measures
• Prepare reports based on assessments, audits, inspections, and investigations
• Train and supervise newer technicians
• Participate in sustainability initiatives and meetings
• Research trends, best practices, and regulatory changes 

Soft Skills

• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Deductive and inductive reasoning
• Detail-oriented
• Independent
• Integrity
• Monitoring
• Objective
• Organized
• Perceptive
• Problem-solving
• Reading comprehension
• Safety-oriented
• Strength and stamina
• Strong communication skills

Technical Skills

• Emergency response planning
• Environmental areas (e.g., air quality, water resources)
• Environmental monitoring, sampling, data collection, and analysis tools and techniques
• Environmental regulations and compliance measures
• Environmental reporting tools
• Environmental science and ecology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Hazardous waste and materials regulations and handling procedures
• Project management
• Report writing and presentation
• Safety and health assessment techniques
• Statistical and data modeling tools

• Chemical companies
• Construction and infrastructure companies
• Corporate environmental departments
• Environmental consulting firms
• Government regulatory agencies (federal, state, and local)
• Healthcare facilities
• Industrial and manufacturing plants
• Mining and natural resource companies
• Public and private educational institutions
• Research organizations
• Utilities (water, gas, and electric)
• Waste management and recycling companies

Environmental Safety Technicians may work in various conditions, including industrial settings or outdoors facing environmental factors. The job may require being around hazardous materials, which demands strict adherence to safety protocols.

Workers sometimes face industry resistance or public concerns, requiring them to have strong communication skills. As advocates for workplace safety and environmental stewardship, they play a crucial role in promoting and implementing effective health and safety practices and policies. At the same time, they must engage in continuous learning to stay updated on changing regulations and safety practices.

The public is putting pressure on governmental agencies to do more for the environment and to have more oversight on what organizations are doing. This push for more sustainability and accountability is resulting in new laws and updated policies and regulations at national, state, and local levels.

Environmental Safety Technicians help to explain these changes and monitor organizational compliance with them. Technology like remote sensing and advanced analytical tools is enabling them to conduct more precise monitoring and better data collection.

The incorporation of AI, wearable smart devices, robotics, and electronic reporting systems is also being used to enhance safety—but these advancements require workers to keep up with the evolving technologies. 

Students who choose to become Environmental Safety Technicians often have an interest in the natural world and environmental conservation. They may have been involved in science clubs, outdoor activities, and community initiatives focused on sustainability from a young age. Their academic interests probably included subjects like biology, chemistry, and environmental studies.