# 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.