Environmental engineering technician

Environmental engineering technicians build, test and repair equipment used to monitor air, water or soil pollution. They may assist environmental engineers.

Also known as

Environmental technical support officer, environmental equipment technician, environmental instruments technical specialist

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings and weekends
  • Usually work in workshops and laboratories and may travel locally
  • Need to be accurate, safety conscious and identify and solve problems

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$61.6K-$85.3K 61573

Typical tasks

  • Build equipment to monitor the environment
  • Collect samples of water, soil and materials
  • Test how equipment performs
  • Dispose of hazardous waste
  • Package samples for transport
  • Maintain clean work areas
  • Write reports

Outlook

Environmental engineering technicians will support projects that improve water quality, manage waste, monitor pollution and strengthen infrastructure against climate impacts. New Zealand’s focus on environmental monitoring, water services and resilient urban development is likely to keep this work relevant. Sensors, remote monitoring, digital mapping and data systems are making environmental information faster to collect and use, while practical field testing remains important.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Practical technical skills for sampling, testing and monitoring
  • Careful attention to procedures, accuracy and safety
  • Ability to use equipment, digital systems and technical software
  • Understanding of environmental measurements and basic engineering concepts
  • Clear record-keeping and report-writing skills
  • Ability to work reliably with engineers, scientists and contractors

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.