Environmental Technician

We need Environmental Technicians to prevent and control environmental contamination. Working with teams of engineers and scientists, they continuously measure a mine’s water, soil and air to ensure compliance with regulations and legislation.

What is it like to work as an Environmental Technician in mining?

Note: these vary according to employer and region.

Environmental Technicians / Technologists inspect, maintain, control and manage hazardous waste and waste operations, collect samples, and assist with regulatory compliance and other duties. They perform laboratory and field tests in order to monitor the environment and investigate any sources of pollution, and the work involves travelling between multiple sites and the potential of having to investigate a chemical spill or perform water analysis in lakes or rivers. They also prepare information sessions and help to deliver training on environmental issues.

Why are People Attracted to this Career?

Environmental Technicians / Technologists tend to be responsible people who enjoy working with a challenging variety of routine and new tasks.  Strongly committed to environmental protection, they like the outdoors and appreciate the opportunity to learn and work with new technologies.

Job Description

  • Enter and analyze data, write reports and help ensure compliance with environmental regulations and legislation

  • Participate in multi-disciplinary projects, including hazardous materials survey, abatement and remediation activities, air monitoring, flora and fauna protection, waste audits, and environmental compliance audits

  • Measure resources, including water, soil and air to monitor pollution levels

  • Collect and analyze samples from the environment by conducting physical and chemical tests

  • Control and manage hazardous materials and ensure the proper cleanup of polluted sites

  • Support implementation of resource deposits and planning of new infrastructure and construction

  • Manage laboratory equipment and materiel

  • May conduct information or training sessions on environmental issues within the community or the mine

Starting salary

$50,000.00

Top Salary

$98,600.00

Demand in Mining

1 2 3 4 5

Skill Transferability Among Other Industries

1 2 3 4 5

Success Profile

  • Identifies issues and solve problems

  • Visualizes completed projects

  • Enjoys hands-on work

  • Understands and respects safety procedures, regulations and legislation

  • Has strong computer, risk management, communication and interpersonal skills

  • Has a strong interest in natural sciences

  • Works well in a team

Job Entry Requirements

Note: The requirements listed below illustrate what it takes to start the career and does not take into account on-the-job training given to new employees.

Fixed Requirements

  • Post-secondary diploma (two to three years) related to the environment (e.g., natural resources sciences, wastewater treatment, pollution control, hydrology, ecology, toxicology, mineralogy, geology, landscape management and civil engineering)

  • Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and email software

  • Must be able to pass a medical test

  • Must be able to pass a drug test

  • Willingness to work in a diverse environment

  • Proficiency in language of operation

Regional Requirement

  • Membership in the regulatory body to use the title “Professional Technologist”

May be Required

  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO-14000 Environmental Standards certification

  • Computer-based drafting and design experience in AutoCAD or mining specific software

  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification

Assets

  • Willingness to relocate

  • Other languages