Also called: Lab Analyst (Water), Water Sampler
Collects and tests water samples from rivers, wells, and treatment plants for pollutants and bacteria.
You drive a route of sampling points, filling bottles from streams and taps, then test them in the lab for E. coli, nitrates, and lead. Your results can trigger a boil-water notice.
Environmental science and protection technicians.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in a science.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Environmental science and protection technicians.
Medium risk for 10 years. Automated sensors and lab analyzers run more tests; field sampling stays, but labs need fewer techs.
Classes: Chemistry, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4042.
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