Environmental Sampling Technician in Oklahoma Career Overview
As an Environmental Sampling Technician, you play a vital role in assessing environmental conditions and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Your primary responsibilities involve collecting and analyzing samples of air, water, soil, and various materials to determine the presence of contaminants and pollutants. The data you gather significantly contributes to environmental protection and public health initiatives.
Key aspects of your role include:
- Collaborating with scientists and environmental engineers to develop sampling strategies and protocols.
- Utilizing a range of tools and equipment to accurately collect samples in the field.
- Documenting findings meticulously and preparing reports that inform decision-makers about environmental quality.
- Engaging in site assessments to identify potential hazards and evaluate the environmental impact of various activities.
- Assisting in the investigation of contamination sites and providing support in remediation efforts.
Your work is essential in supporting efforts to maintain safe and healthy ecosystems. By ensuring rigorous testing procedures and adherence to regulations, you help safeguard natural resources and contribute to sustainable practices within various industries. Your contributions are invaluable in addressing environmental challenges and promoting public awareness regarding environmental issues.
Environmental Sampling Technician Salary in Oklahoma
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become an Environmental Sampling Technician in Oklahoma
To become an Environmental Sampling Technician, you will typically need to obtain a relevant degree along with specific training. The following educational qualifications are generally considered essential for this role:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree:
- You should pursue a degree in one of the following fields:
- Environmental Health: Focuses on ensuring safe environments and understanding health impacts from environmental factors.
- Environmental Science: Provides a broad understanding of ecological systems, contamination issues, and environmental policies.
- Environmental Studies: Emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues, integrating social science and humanities with natural sciences.
- Environmental Engineering Technology: Combines principles of engineering and environmental science to design and implement solutions for environmental challenges.
- Environmental Geosciences: Focuses on the earth's processes, materials, and the impact of human activities on these systems.
- You should pursue a degree in one of the following fields:
Certification:
- Although not always required, pursuing certification from recognized organizations can enhance your credentials. Relevant certifications may include:
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
- Certified Environmental Technician (CET)
- Although not always required, pursuing certification from recognized organizations can enhance your credentials. Relevant certifications may include:
On-the-job Training:
- You will likely receive training specific to the tools, technologies, and methodologies used in environmental sampling during your employment. This may include learning about laboratory procedures, data collection methods, and quality assurance protocols.
By aligning your education and training with these requirements, you will be well-prepared for a career as an Environmental Sampling Technician.
Best Schools to become a Environmental Sampling Technician in Oklahoma 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
American Public University System
University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Berkeley
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
- Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories.
- May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
Environmental Sampling Technician Required Skills and Competencies in Oklahoma
Technical Proficiency: You should be adept at operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, such as gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers, ensuring accurate measurements and data collection.
Attention to Detail: Your ability to notice slight variations in sampling processes and results is critical. Precision in gathering and analyzing samples can impact the validity of environmental assessments.
Analytical Skills: You must possess strong analytical abilities to interpret complex data sets, identify trends, and produce meaningful reports that inform environmental policies or project decisions.
Problem-Solving Skills: You will often encounter unexpected challenges in the field. Developing effective, safe solutions quickly is essential to maintaining project integrity and timelines.
Communication Skills: Use your written and verbal communication skills to convey findings clearly to team members, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. You may also need to write detailed reports summarizing your methodology and results.
Knowledge of Environmental Regulations: Familiarity with local, state, and federal environmental regulations will help you ensure compliance and contribute to responsible environmental practices.
Fieldwork Experience: Comfort and competence in fieldwork are necessary. You should be able to navigate different terrains and environmental conditions while adhering to safety protocols.
Data Management: Proficiency in data management software and tools is important for organizing samples, maintaining records, and analyzing data.
Team Collaboration: You will often work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Strong teamwork abilities will facilitate effective communication, coordination, and support within project teams.
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances and priorities in the field is vital. Environmental conditions and project demands can evolve rapidly, requiring you to stay flexible and resourceful.
Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety practices and protocols related to environmental sampling is critical. You should be able to identify potential hazards in the field and take appropriate measures to mitigate risks.
Job Duties for Environmental Sampling Technicians
Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
Analytical or scientific software
- Datasurge GEOPRO
- Salix Applied Earthcare Erosion Draw
Geographic information system
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Job Market and Opportunities for Environmental Sampling Technician in Oklahoma
The demand for Environmental Sampling Technicians in Oklahoma is currently strong, driven by a growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for regulatory compliance in various industries. Key factors influencing this demand include:
Industrial Sectors: The presence of oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing industries in Oklahoma generates a continuous requirement for environmental monitoring and sampling. These sectors often necessitate regular assessments to comply with environmental regulations.
Regulation Changes: Ongoing regulatory changes at both state and federal levels have increased the need for robust environmental oversight. As these regulations evolve, organizations require more sampling technicians to ensure compliance and to help develop mitigation strategies.
Environmental Studies and Initiatives: Oklahoma's commitment to various environmental protection initiatives and conservation projects boosts job opportunities for sampling technicians. This includes efforts in groundwater quality monitoring, soil assessments, and pollution tracking.
In terms of growth potential, this field is anticipated to expand due to:
Rising Environmental Awareness: As the public becomes more conscious of environmental impacts, there is increasing pressure on companies to perform environmental sampling to monitor their effects on surrounding ecosystems.
Technological Advancements: New technologies in environmental testing and data analysis create additional roles for technicians who can operate advanced sampling and monitoring equipment, enhancing the quality and efficiency of environmental assessments.
Geographical hotspots for job opportunities include:
Oklahoma City and Tulsa: These metropolitan areas house numerous companies involved in environmental consulting, oil and gas, and manufacturing, all of which commonly employ environmental sampling technicians to ensure compliance with standards and improve sustainability practices.
Rural Areas: Regions involved in agriculture and natural resource management, such as the Panhandle and eastern Oklahoma, also have emerging opportunities. Here, technicians may be engaged in soil sampling, water quality assessments, and other observational studies.
Overall, the job market for Environmental Sampling Technicians in Oklahoma is favorable, characterized by a growing demand across various sectors, promising growth prospects, and a range of geographical opportunities throughout the state.
Top Related Careers to Environmental Sampling Technician 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become an Environmental Sampling Technician in Oklahoma
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA provides a wealth of information on environmental regulations, sampling methods, and guidelines pertinent to environmental sampling technicians.
EPA websiteNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NOAA offers resources related to environmental monitoring, data collection, and methodologies that are valuable for environmental sampling technicians.
NOAA websiteAmerican Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
ASTM publishes standards and technical documents that cover testing and sampling methods. Access their environmental publications for guidance and standards relevant to your work.
ASTM InternationalCalifornia State University - Environmental Sampling Techniques
This resource provides educational materials and instructional videos on various environmental sampling techniques and equipment.
CSU Environmental Sampling TechniquesSociety for Environmental Engineers (SEE)
They provide networking opportunities, publications, and resources for professionals in the environmental field, including sampling technicians.
SEE websiteNational Environmental Sampling Requirements
The document details various protocols, standards, and criteria for environmental sampling, essential for compliance and quality assurance.
NESC Technical ResourcesProfessional Association of Georgia Educators - Environmental Resources
Although focused on Georgia, this resource provides committed material on environmental education and sampling best practices applicable across the U.S.
PAGE websiteOklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ)
The ODEQ offers state-specific information on laws, regulations, and quality guidelines for environmental sampling in Oklahoma.
ODEQ websiteOSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA provides standards and guidelines to ensure safe working conditions for professionals dealing with environmental sampling.
OSHA websiteEnvironmental Science and Technology Journal
Stay updated on the latest research and innovations in environmental science, which can enhance your understanding of current practices in sampling techniques.
Environmental Science and Technology
Utilize these resources to enhance your knowledge and support your career development as an Environmental Sampling Technician in Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Environmental Sampling Technician in Oklahoma
What are the primary responsibilities of an Environmental Sampling Technician? As an Environmental Sampling Technician, your main responsibilities include collecting water, soil, air, and other samples for laboratory analysis, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and maintaining equipment and documentation related to sampling procedures.
What educational background is required to become an Environmental Sampling Technician? Most positions require at least an associate degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in these areas or those who have relevant certifications.
Are there specific certifications needed to work in this field? While not always mandatory, obtaining certifications such as the National Environmental Health Association’s (NEHA) Certified Environmental Technician or the American Society for Quality’s (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician can enhance your job prospects.
What skills are important for an Environmental Sampling Technician? Key skills include attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and proficiency in using sampling equipment and laboratory instruments.
What does a typical work environment look like for an Environmental Sampling Technician? You may work in various settings, including laboratories, outdoor sites, industrial facilities, or during field studies. It's common to conduct sampling in various weather conditions and sometimes in remote locations.
What is the job outlook for Environmental Sampling Technicians in Oklahoma? The demand for Environmental Sampling Technicians is projected to grow as environmental regulations become stricter and businesses increasingly focus on sustainability and compliance. Opportunities may arise in government agencies, consulting firms, and private industries.
What salary can I expect as an Environmental Sampling Technician? As of October 2023, the average salary for Environmental Sampling Technicians in Oklahoma ranges from $35,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and the specific employer.
Is fieldwork a significant part of this job? Yes, fieldwork is an integral part of the job. You will often be required to travel to different sites to collect samples, which can involve physical tasks and working in varying weather conditions.
What are some career advancement opportunities for Environmental Sampling Technicians? With experience, you may advance to roles such as Environmental Scientist, Project Manager, or Quality Assurance Specialist. Continuing education and obtaining advanced degrees or certifications can also facilitate career growth.
Do Environmental Sampling Technicians work alone or as part of a team? You may work both independently and as part of a team. Collaborative projects with other environmental professionals are common, but there will also be occasions where you conduct sampling activities on your own.