groundwater-monitoring-technician/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — groundwater monitoring technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 19-4042.00 (Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health).

Task statements

• [Core] Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
• [Core] Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
• [Core] Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.
• [Core] Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
• [Core] Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
• [Core] Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
• [Core] Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
• [Core] Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
• [Core] Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
• [Core] Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
• [Core] Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
• [Core] Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
• [Core] Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
• [Core] Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
• [Core] Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.
• [Core] Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs.
• [Core] Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
• [Core] Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
• [Core] Direct activities of workers in laboratory.
• [Core] Develop testing procedures.
• [Supplemental] Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
• [Supplemental] Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
• [Supplemental] Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.
• [Supplemental] Distribute permits, closure plans, or cleanup plans.
• [Supplemental] Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.

Detailed work activities

• Advise others on business or operational matters.
• Advise others on matters of public policy.
• Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
• Analyze environmental data.
• Analyze geological samples.
• Assess compliance with environmental laws.
• Calculate weights, volumes or other characteristics of materials.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Collect environmental data or samples.
• Collect samples for analysis or testing.
• Confer with clients to exchange information.
• Coordinate enforcement of laws or regulations.
• Determine methods to minimize environmental impact of activities.
• Develop environmental research methods.
• Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
• Direct natural resources management or conservation programs.
• Enforce rules or regulations.
• Inspect areas for compliance with sanitation standards.
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Inspect work environments to ensure safety.
• Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.
• Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
• Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
• Prepare documentation for permits or licenses.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Record research or operational data.
• Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.