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Public HealthTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Environmental Science and Protection Technician/ Inspector

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect an individual location/facility, the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

Annual openings

155

Median wage

$60,930

Typical education

An Associate's degree is expected for most Natural Resources jobs, but some Public Health jobs expect a Bachelor's degree.

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

An Associate's degree is expected for most Natural Resources jobs, but some Public Health jobs expect a Bachelor's degree.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required. However, full or part-time work experience developing the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is valued.

Employer competency information

  • Refer above to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities information. Effective communication, such as writing reports and presenting ideas, is important to communicate research and findings.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
  2. Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
  3. Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
  4. Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
  5. Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
  6. Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
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