Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Environmental Engineering Technician
What environmental engineering technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Calibrate field meters and load sampling gear into the truck. From there, the day usually includes collect soil, water and air samples, install and maintain monitoring equipment, and operate and maintain remediation systems. Most work full-time weekdays, with occasional long field days, travel and overnight stays for remote sites.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an environmental engineering technician working full time.
- Calibrate field meters and load sampling gear into the truck.
- Purge and sample groundwater monitoring wells at a former gas station.
- Check a soil vapor extraction system and record pressures.
- Inspect stormwater controls at a construction site after rain.
- Package samples on ice and complete chain of custody forms.
- Drop samples at the lab and enter field data.
- Draft the field report for the engineer.
Where environmental engineering technicians work
Technicians work outdoors at industrial, construction and contaminated sites in all weather, and in offices and labs. Some sites require PPE and HAZWOPER-level precautions.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time weekdays, with occasional long field days, travel and overnight stays for remote sites.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Collect soil, water and air samples
- Install and maintain monitoring equipment
- Operate and maintain remediation systems
- Inspect stormwater and pollution controls
- Record field data and chain of custody
- Assist with permits and compliance reports
- Support engineers with site investigations
Tools you’ll use every day
- Water quality meters
- Groundwater pumps and bailers
- Photoionization detectors (PIDs)
- GPS units and tablets
- Soil sampling tools
- Remediation system controls
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Outdoor, hands-on work with purpose
- Associate degree entry
- Variety of sites and projects
- Path into environmental engineering and science
What’s hard
- Exposure to contaminated materials
- Weather and travel
- Physical field work
- Detailed documentation requirements
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to help protect the environment
- I like working outdoors
- I’m careful with procedures and records
- I don’t mind getting dirty
- I enjoy science and data
- I want a two-year degree path
Not sure? Take the free Environmental Engineering Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Complete HAZWOPER training before hazardous site work
- Wear PPE and monitor air where contaminants are present
- Follow traffic and heavy equipment safety on sites
- Use proper lifting for equipment and coolers