Performs laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health. Under direction of an environmental scientist or specialist, may collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing and take corrective actions as assigned.

• Air Analyst
• Chemist, Instrumentation
• Chemist, Wastewater-Treatment Plant
• Chemist, Water Purification
• Laboratory Assistant
• Microscopist, Asbestos
• Pollution-Control Technician
• Smoke Tester

• Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
• Calibrate microscopes and test instruments.
• Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, and asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels and identify sources of pollution.
• Conduct standardized tests to ensure materials and supplies used throughout power supply systems meet processing and safety specifications.
• Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms and removing impurities from purification systems.
• Develop and implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution and radiation.
• Develop testing procedures or direct activities of workers in laboratory.
• Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
• Distribute permits, closure plans and cleanup plans.
• Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.
• Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
• Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
• Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards such as high noise levels, radiation or potential lighting hazards.
• Maintain files such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information and diagrams showing equipment locations.
• Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
• Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
• Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
• Provide information and technical and program assistance to government representatives, employers and the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection or workplace safety.
• Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, and charts that interpret test results.
• Respond to and investigate hazardous conditions or spills, or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
• Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
• Weigh, analyze, and measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.

• adhere to safety procedures
• advise clients or customers
• advise enforcement personnel on environmental standards
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
• analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
• analyze ecosystem data
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
• collect geographic or physical data
• collect samples for testing
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• compile numerical or statistical data
• conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
• conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials
• conduct field research or investigative studies
• conduct laboratory research or experiments
• conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
• conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
• confer with scientists
• create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
• determine negligence or violation of laws or regulations
• determine specifications
• determine the effects of pollution
• develop or maintain databases
• develop plans for programs or projects
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
• draw maps or charts
• enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
• ensure compliance with government regulations
• examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
• explain complex mathematical information
• explain government rules or policies
• explain rules, policies or regulations
• follow infectious materials procedures
• follow microbiology procedures
• follow safe waste disposal procedures
• identify properties of soil or water samples
• inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
• inspect waste disposal or treatment facilities for regulatory compliance
• issue licenses or permits
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make decisions
• measure air quality
• measure, weigh, or count products or materials
• monitor atmospheric or meteorological processes
• obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers
• operate industrial or nondestructive testing equipment
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• perform tests to assess compliance with standards
• prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
• prepare reports
• prepare safety reports
• prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• recognize public safety hazards
• recommend action to ensure compliance
• recommend improvements to work methods or procedures
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
• test air quality, noise, temperature, or radiation
• test air to detect toxic gases
• test materials or solutions
• understand properties of gases or liquids
• use biological testing instruments
• use chemical processing emergency procedures
• use chemical testing or analysis procedures
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use government regulations
• use hazardous disposal techniques
• use hazardous materials information
• use health or sanitation standards
• use interpersonal communication techniques
• use interviewing procedures
• use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of materials testing procedures
• use knowledge of medical terminology
• use knowledge of metric system
• use laboratory equipment
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use microscope
• use physical science research techniques
• use pollution control techniques
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software