Environmental Science Field Technician Option, Environmental Science | Holyoke Community College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 19-4042.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningWritingCritical ThinkingMonitoringScienceComplex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageChemistryBiologyLaw and Government

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningNear VisionProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningSpeech ClaritySpeech Recognition

Tasks

Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests
Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting sam
Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.

Technology

Document management softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail softwareGeographic information system

Tools

35 millimeter camerasAir current test kitsAir monitoring equipmentAir sampling impingersAir sampling primary flow calibratorsArea sampling pumpsAutoclavesBinocular light compound microscopesBioaerosol impactorsBladder water sampling pumpsCO2 monitorsCarbon monoxide monitorsCarpet sampling pump kitsCentrifugal water sampling pumpsCentrifuges

Work Values

AchievementSupportRelationshipsRecognitionIndependenceWorking Conditions

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium19-4042.00	Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health	title_inference	$49,490 median$85,630 top	+4.21%	160

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Multi-matrix sample collection — independently collect and preserve gas, soil, water, industrial wastewater, and asbestos samples in compliance with EPA and OSHA field protocols.
Analytical instrument operation — calibrate and operate analytical or scientific software-integrated instruments to quantify pollutant concentrations such as lead and coal dust with minimal oversight.
Pollutant data analysis — weigh, measure, and interpret collected particle samples to determine concentration levels, applying mathematical and statistical methods in routine laboratory contexts.
Technical report preparation — compile and write test reports, data summaries, and interpretive charts that communicate environmental findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Hazard investigation support — lead sample collection during workplace spill, disease outbreak, or food-poisoning investigations, applying systematic evidence-gathering techniques.
Workplace safety inspection — conduct structured inspections of industrial and commercial facilities to identify health hazards including noise, radiation, and lighting risks, documenting findings independently.
GIS data integration — enter field sample locations and inspection findings into geographic information system platforms to support spatial analysis of pollution sources.
Regulatory compliance monitoring — monitor environmental conditions and facility operations against applicable regulatory standards, flagging non-compliance issues for supervisor review.
Customer results discussion — explain test results, analytical methods, and corrective action implications to clients in clear, professional language during review meetings.
Quality assurance checks — apply laboratory QA/QC procedures to verify accuracy of sample preparation, instrument readings, and data entry in an accredited testing environment.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.