聚光灯
环境健康与安全技术员、环境合规技术员、危险材料技术员、职业健康与安全技术员、工业卫生技术员、环境监测技术员
Some industries, like energy production, transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture, have a larger impact on the environment than others. At the same time, these industries are also among the most hazardous to work in.
Since the operations of these types of industries have the potential to harm workers and the environment, they have experts assigned to help ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Known as Environmental Safety Technicians, their job includes monitoring conditions, identifying hazards, assessing risks, and proposing solutions to mitigate risk. They also conduct inspections to make sure employers and employees follow the right procedures so that workers, communities, and ecosystems are as safe as possible.
- Implement and monitor environmental safety programs
- Contribute to pollution reduction and environmental protection
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety and health regulations and policies
- Play a key role in emergency preparedness and response
工作日程
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.
典型职责
- 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
额外责任
- 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
- 参与可持续发展倡议和会议
- Research trends, best practices, and regulatory changes
软技能
技术技能
- 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
- 地理信息系统(GIS)
- Hazardous waste and materials regulations and handling procedures
- 项目管理
- Report writing and presentation
- Safety and health assessment techniques
- Statistical and data modeling tools
- Chemical companies
- 建筑和基础设施公司
- Corporate environmental departments
- Environmental consulting firms
- Government regulatory agencies (federal, state, and local)
- 医疗保健设施
- 工业和制造工厂
- Mining and natural resource companies
- 公立和私立教育机构
- Research organizations
- Utilities (water, gas, and electric)
- 废物管理和回收公司
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.
- Environmental Safety Technicians typically require an associate degree, technical certification, or in some cases a bachelor’s degree
- Note, some entry-level positions may only require relevant work experience versus academic credentials
- Common degrees include:
- Associate degree in Environmental Science
- Associate degree in Occupational Health and Safety
- Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor’s in Environmental Health and Safety
- Bachelor’s in Environmental Science
- Bachelor’s in Industrial Hygiene
- Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety
- 相关课程可包括
- 空气质量管理
- Climate Change and Global Warming
- Conservation Biology
- 生态学
- Environmental Health and Toxicology
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental Law and Legislation
- 地理信息系统(GIS)
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- 工业安全
- Natural Resource Management
- 职业健康与安全
- Renewable Energy Sources
- 土壤科学
- Waste Management
- Hands-on experience through internships, research assistant roles, or entry-level environmental health and safety jobs can be beneficial
- In addition, expect a few months of on-the-job training
- 可选的行业认证包括
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response certification
- 注册危险材料管理员
- Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician
- 认证环境专业人员
- Workers may need a valid driver’s license to travel to job sites
- Environmental Safety Technicians can receive training at community colleges, universities, or even at technical or vocational schools
that offers programs or certifications in environmental safety - Look for accredited schools offering programs in environmental science, environmental health and safety, occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, or environmental engineering
- 在决定是否报名参加校内、网上或混合课程时,要考虑你的时间安排和灵活性。
- Seek programs with fieldwork and internships opportunities
- 考虑学费、折扣和当地奖学金的机会(除联邦援助外)。
- Look for programs that collaborate with external partners, which can augment your learning experience
- Review graduation rates and post-graduate job placement statistics
- Ask a seasoned Environmental Safety Technician to do an informational interview with you, or see if you can shadow them at work for a day
- Watch videos and read online articles related to the career field to familiarize yourself with current environmental health and safety trends. Popular blogs include:
- Check out job descriptions posted on employment portals to determine the most current job qualifications and areas of specialization that might interest you
- In high school, load up on biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental science, math (especially algebra and geometry), physics, health science, geography, English, writing, computer science, government, and shop classes
- 参与课外活动,积累团队合作、领导力和项目管理经验
- Participate in relevant online forums like the National Safety Council’s Global Health, Safety & Environment Forum
- 记录你所有的工作和学术成就,以备简历和大学申请之用
- Upload your resume on job portals like Indeed, SimplyHired, Monster, USAJobs, ZipRecruiter, Velvet Jobs, and Glassdoor
- Sign up for alerts so you won’t miss it when a new job is posted
- 查看招聘广告,寻找可在简历中列出的关键字,如
- 事故预防
- 应急响应
- 环境合规
- 环境管理系统
- 环保局条例
- 危险材料管理
- 健康与安全计划
- 事件调查
- 工业卫生
- OSHA 标准
- 政策制定
- 风险评估
- 安全审计
- 安全条例
- 安全培训
- 工作场所安全
- Review Environmental Safety Technician resume templates and sample interview questions
- Ask your school to connect you with recruiters. Take advantage of chances to intern with environmental safety-related organizations
- 联系学校的就业中心,获得简历帮助,进行模拟面试,了解即将举行的招聘会
- Do your research on potential large employers, such as:
- 美国疾病控制和预防中心
- 国防部
- 能源部
- 环境保护局
- 联邦紧急事务管理局
- 国家航空航天局
- 美国国立卫生研究院
- 职业安全与健康管理局
- 美国农业部
- 美国地质调查局
- 在面试中,表现出对行业趋势的敏锐认识
- 面试时穿着专业
- 请以前的教授和主管写推荐信,或要求他们同意(提前)将他们列为推荐人。
- Speak with your supervisor about advancement. Get advice and talk through options
- 表现出学习、遵守程序和承担更多责任的意愿
- 设定高标准,确保遵守法规,帮助保护工人、设备、设施、工作场所和周边地区
- 在专业发展和参加继续教育课程方面保持积极主动的态度
- 在有资格的情况下,获得其他认证,如认证安全专业人员委员会 -准安全专业人员
- If beneficial, consider doing a higher-level college degree
- 尝试在不同的工作环境中积累不同的经验。在不同领域工作后,可考虑专门从事某一领域的工作,如
- 事故调查
- 空气质量管理
- 生物安全
- 化学品安全
- 施工安全
- 应急计划
- 环境合规
- 人体工学
- 消防安全与预防
- 危险废物管理
- 工业卫生
- 噪音控制与听力保护
- 职业健康
- 辐射安全
- 监管合规和审计
- 风险评估和管理
- 安全工程
- 可持续性与环境保护
- 水质管理
- 工作场所安全培训
- Be active in professional organizations such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association (see our list of Recommended Resources for more information)
- 随时了解与雇主政策和地方、州或联邦法规相关的最新变化
网站
- 董事会认证的环境专业人员学院
- 工程和技术认证委员会
- 空气和废物管理协会
- 美国环境工程师和科学家学会
- 美国化学学会
- 美国政府工业卫生学家会议
- 美国工业卫生协会
- 美国蚊子控制协会
- 美国国家标准协会
- 美国公共卫生协会
- 美国微生物学会
- 美国安全专业人员协会
- ASTM国际组织
- 全球EHS资格认证委员会
- 专业人体工程学认证委员会
- 安全专业人员认证委员会
- 美国疾病控制和预防中心
- 工业工程理事会
- 国防部
- 能源部
- 能源之星
- 环境保护局
- 联邦紧急事务管理局
- 健康物理学会
- 危险材料管理研究所
- 工程与技术学院
- 国际可持续发展专业人员协会
- 国际自动化学会
- International Society of Exposure Analysis
- 能源与环境设计先锋奖(LEED)
- 国家航空航天局
- 全国环境管理协会
- 全国环境专业人员协会
- 全国安全专业人员协会
- 国家公共卫生检查员委员会
- 全国工程和测量师考试委员会
- 全国环境卫生协会
- 国家防火协会
- 国家工程技术认证研究所
- 国家职业安全与健康研究所
- 美国国立卫生研究院
- 国家娱乐和公园协会
- 国家环境专业人员登记处
- 国家安全委员会
- NSF International
- 职业安全与健康管理局
- 法规事务专业协会
- 采矿、冶金和勘探协会
- 美国绿色建筑委员会
- 美国农业部
- 美国地质调查局
- 世界安全组织
书籍
- 安全风险管理:预防伤害、疾病和环境破坏》,作者 Fred Fanning
- Safety WALK Safety TALK: How small changes in what you THINK, SAY, and DO shape your safety culture, by David Allan Galloway
- 环境、健康和安全专业新手指南》,作者 Chance Roberts
Environmental Safety Technicians play a crucial role in protecting our workers, communities, and natural environment. But this career isn’t the right fit, consider related fields that might interest you, such as:
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist
- 保护科学家
- 建设和建筑督察
- 环境合规督察
- Environmental Engineering Technologist
- 环境科学家
- 消防检查员
- Geological Technicians
- 危险废物技术员
- 健康和安全工程师
- 水文学家
- Industrial Hygienist
- 材料科学家
- 微生物学家
- 采矿和地质工程师
- 职业健康与安全专家
- Public Health Officer
- 安全经理
- 水/废水工程师
- 水资源专家
- 野生动物生物学家