High School

In high school, key courses include biology, chemistry, and physics. Conservation or ecology courses also will be useful, if offered at your school. Math classes should include at least algebra and geometry, and taking English and speech classes will help to sharpen your communications skills. In addition, work on developing your computer skills while in high school, either on your own or through a class.

Postsecondary Training

As environmental work becomes more technical and complex, a majority of companies now seek technicians with an associate's degree (although there are some entry-level jobs that require only a high school diploma). To meet this need, many community colleges across the country have developed training programs for environmental technicians. Areas of study include environmental engineering technologies, pollution control technologies, natural science, conservation, and ecology. Courses include meteorology, toxicology, source testing, sampling, data analysis and modeling, air, soil, and water quality management, environmental science, and statistics. Other training requirements vary by employer. Many associate-degree programs also require students to participate in an internship or cooperative-education program that helps them to obtain practical experience in the field. Some experts advise attending school in the part of the country where you'd like to begin your career so you can start getting to know local employers before you graduate.

Most environmental technicians also receive on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer.

Other Education or Training

Participating in continuing education (CE) classes is an excellent way to keep your skills up to date and become a more attractive job candidate. Many environmental associations provide CE classes, workshops, seminars, and webinars. For example, the Air & Waste Management Association offers workshops and seminars on topics such as air quality measurement methods and technology, climate change, and hazardous waste. Other organizations that provide CE include the Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center, American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians, National Ground Water Association, and the Water Environment Federation.

Certification or Licensing

Certification or licensing is required for some positions in pollution control, especially those in which sanitation, public health, a public water supply, or a sewage treatment system is involved. For example, the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice offers the qualified environmental professional and the environmental professional intern certifications.

Some states require environmental technicians who perform environmental and health inspections (such as for radon) to be licensed. Contact your state's department of professional regulation for information on licensing requirements.

Students should obtain as much experience in the field as possible by participating in summer internships and co-ops. These programs provide great practical experience, and they will also give students a chance to explore potential career paths and make networking contacts that might translate into a job offer once they graduate.

Environmental technicians should be curious, patient, detail-oriented, and capable of following instructions. Basic manual skills are a must for collecting samples and performing similar tasks. Complex environmental regulations drive technicians' jobs; therefore, it's crucial that they are able to read and understand technical materials and to carefully follow any written guidelines for sampling or other procedures. Computer skills and the ability to read and interpret maps, charts, and diagrams are also necessary.

Technicians must make accurate and objective observations, maintain clear and complete records, and be exact in their computations. In addition, good physical conditioning is a requirement for some activities, for example, climbing up smokestacks to take emission samples. The ability to work well with others and on your own, when necessary, is also important.