Environmental compliance technicians help keep companies in compliance with environmental regulations. Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians help keep workplaces safe and workers unscathed. Science (lab) technicians set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions. They must keep detailed logs of all their work-related activities. Those who work in production monitor manufacturing processes and may be involved in ensuring quality by testing products for proper proportions of ingredients, purity, or for strength and durability.

Many employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training or an associate degree in applied science or science-related technology. Because employers' preferences vary, however, some science technicians have a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science, or have taken several science and math courses at 4-year colleges.

Employment in these areas is expected to grow 10 TO 20% through 2010, reflecting a balance of continuing public demand for a safe and healthy work environment against the desire for smaller government and fewer regulations.

Median annual earnings of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians were $42,750 in 2000. The highest 10 percent earned over $67,760. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos017.htm http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm

LOCAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS (these are examples, they are not currently available).

Health and Environmental Technician: $15-$20/hr ($30,000 to $40,000 annually). Job location: York

Will work through end of year with possibility of becoming permanent.   F/T M-F 1st shift. Will work with the Health and Environmental Director; need a safety background with OSHA and ISO 14001 background/training; may facilitate some training. Computer skills a must. Source: York Technical College Job Placement Office: http://www.yorktech.com/department/jobplacement/IET.htm

Stormwater Site Inspector: $25,231~$35,000 annually. Meet with contractor and issue permits. Monitor sites to insure erosion control measures are functional. Conduct final inspection of work-site. Source: York County Government https://abl.york.sc.us/jobs_fm.hsm

Stormwater Plans Examiner: $29,000~37,000 annually. Evaluate stormwater management plans for construction sites, etc. Source: York County Government https://abl.york.sc.us/jobs_fm.hsm

Laboratory Technician/Customer Service Representative: $29,400-$44,000 annually. Conduct lab analysis, trouble shoot, research and development. Need college work including statistics & computer skills (Word & Excel). Job location is in Fort Mill.

INTERNSHIPS

Internships are available with local companies. These allow students to get practical work experience and earn college credit.

Contact John McGill in ST252 or at (803) 981-7329 or jmcgill@yorktech.com.

http://academic.yorktech.com/department/science/environment