Environmental Technology

Our Future Depends on Environmental Technology

Environmental Technology is vital to our future. Environmental technicians work to ensure that our natural resources are protected and that the chemicals and fuels entering our environment are monitored. Graduates of this program will analyze and test the quality of our surface and ground water, soil, air, and fuel. 

And There's Plenty of Variety

Technicians may work inside a lab or out in the field collecting, testing, and analyzing natural resources or manufactured products. This is a great career path for a person who cares about the environment, is detail-oriented, excels in science, and likes variety in the workplace.

Technicians' duties include:

• Making solutions and reagents
• Assisting in environmental management and quality assurance
• Participating in research and development
• Utilizing various instruments, preparing, collecting and analyzing samples
• Assessing data
• Performing microbiologic and molecular testing.

A Hands-on education

Students in the environmental technology program are trained to use the newest testing and monitoring technology available. Students also learn proper sampling and record keeping procedures through hands-on lessons, experiments and projects that take place both in and out of the classroom. Along with classroom and field experience, students in this program have the opportunity to participate in an internship, where they receive vital on-the-job training that will further prepare them for the workforce.

Employment Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes research and testing as one of the top ten professions with the fastest-growing employment opportunities. Students graduating from this program most likely will be able to choose from a number of job opportunities.

Environmental technicians may perform field and lab work for local, state, and federal governments dealing with water, soil and indoor and outdoor air quality. Others may perform tests on soil and water quality for agriculture and other research firms. Most recently, graduates of this program have found cutting-edge jobs with alternative fuel plants like ethanol plants, where they test the plant’s product to ensure all stages of production are working properly.

Completion of this program also can prepare students for transfer into an environmental management program at a 4-year institution.

Recommended Background Courses

Although not required, the following courses would be beneficial to this program prior to attending Lake Area Technical Institute: Science, Chemistry, Algebra, Biology, Computer, and English.