environmental-technician/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — environmental technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 13-1041.01 (Environmental Compliance Inspectors).

Task statements

• [Core] Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
• [Core] Examine permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
• [Core] Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
• [Core] Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
• [Core] Prepare written, oral, tabular, and graphic reports summarizing requirements and regulations, including enforcement and chain of custody documentation.
• [Core] Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.
• [Core] Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
• [Core] Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
• [Core] Determine sampling locations and methods, and collect water or wastewater samples for analysis, preserving samples with appropriate containers and preservation methods.
• [Core] Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
• [Core] Research and keep informed of pertinent information and developments in areas such as EPA laws and regulations.
• [Core] Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
• [Core] Observe and record field conditions, gathering, interpreting, and reporting data such as flow meter readings and chemical levels.
• [Core] Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized and proper safety protocols implemented.
• [Core] Participate in the development of spill prevention programs and hazardous waste rules and regulations, and recommend corrective actions for hazardous waste problems.
• [Supplemental] Inspect waste pretreatment, treatment, and disposal facilities and systems for conformance to federal, state, or local regulations.
• [Supplemental] Evaluate label information for accuracy and conformance to regulatory requirements.
• [Supplemental] Inform health professionals, property owners, and the public about harmful properties and related problems of water pollution and contaminated wastewater.
• [Supplemental] Analyze and implement state, federal or local requirements as necessary to maintain approved pretreatment, pollution prevention, and storm water runoff programs.
• [Supplemental] Perform laboratory tests on samples collected, such as analyzing the content of contaminated wastewater.
• [Supplemental] Review and evaluate applications for registration of products containing dangerous materials, or for pollution control discharge permits.
• [Supplemental] Research and perform calculations related to landscape allowances, discharge volumes, production-based and alternative limits, and wastewater strength classifications, making recommendations and completing documentation.
• [Supplemental] Maintain and repair materials, work sites, and equipment.
• [Supplemental] Conduct research on hazardous waste management projects to determine the magnitude of problems and treatment or disposal alternatives and costs.
• [Supplemental] Respond to questions and inquiries, such as those concerning service charges and capacity fees, or refer them to supervisors.
• [Supplemental] Prepare data to calculate sewer service charges and capacity fees.

Detailed work activities

• Advise others on business or operational matters.
• Analyze environmental regulations to ensure organizational compliance.
• Calculate data to inform organizational operations.
• Communicate results of environmental research.
• Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
• Compile technical information or documentation.
• Coordinate enforcement of laws or regulations.
• Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
• Dispose of hazardous materials.
• Establish organizational guidelines or policies.
• Examine product information to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Gather physical survey data.
• Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
• Inspect facilities or equipment to ensure specifications are met.
• Interview witnesses, suspects, or claimants.
• Investigate legal issues.
• Maintain data in information systems or databases.
• Maintain electronic equipment.
• Maintain facilities.
• Maintain mechanical equipment.
• Monitor organizational compliance with regulations.
• Monitor the handling of hazardous materials or medical wastes.
• Prepare financial documents.
• Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
• Prepare regulatory or compliance documentation.
• Research issues related to the environment or sustainable business practices.
• Review license or permit applications.
• Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
• Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
• Update professional knowledge.