Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health. In addition, they work to ensure that environmental violations are prevented.

Environmental science and protection technicians work in offices, laboratories, and the field.

Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary education, although some positions may require a bachelor’s degree.

Employment of environmental science and protection technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Environmental science and protection technicians should have good job prospects overall.

This occupation supported 32,800 jobs in 2012 and 36,200 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 10.4%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 18.6% in 2022 to 38,900 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 34,000, compared with an observed value of 36,200, 6.5% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 10.4% in 2024 to 39,600 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 40,100 jobs for 2024, 1.3% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.