Environmental technician
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices and outdoors and may travel locally and nationally
- May work in all weather conditions
- Need to be methodical, accurate and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Collect and record environmental samples and data
- Carry out tests
- Inspect and adjust equipment
- Share environmental information
- Develop plans and projects to protect the environment
- Lead conservation programmes
- Give advice about environmental rules and plans
- Prepare scientific reports and presentations
- Supervise science workers
Outlook
Environmental technicians support monitoring and practical environmental work in areas such as water quality, waste, land management and pollution control. In New Zealand, stronger use of sensors, digital records, drones and geographic information systems is changing how environmental information is collected and managed. Ongoing concerns about freshwater, biodiversity and climate resilience are likely to sustain this work, although activity can depend on project and council funding.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Practical skills in sampling, testing and using monitoring equipment
- Careful attention to procedures, accuracy and health and safety
- Ability to record, organise and check environmental data
- Confidence using digital tools, maps and technical equipment
- Clear communication and concise report-writing skills
- Reliability when working with scientists, engineers 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.