Job Description
Technicians will take up different posts according to their own expertise. They may work as technicians in environmental consultancies, contractors involved in pollution control, laboratories, waste and sewage treatment facilities, etc. The main duties of these posts are:
Assist environmental engineers in performing tasks under their guidance and supervision
Provide technical support in environmental impact assessments, monitoring and technology researches, e.g., conducting investigations on site or in laboratories, sampling, operating apparatus
Prepare statistical data and compile reports; analyse the results using computer or other methods
Calibrate, maintain, operate and repair pollution monitoring equipment
Those working in environmental engineering facilities, e.g., water supply systems, sewage treatment facilities, landfills, will need to operate equipment, take samples for subsequent measurements, or follow other necessary procedures in order to sustain the smooth running of the facilities
Because of the diverse nature of the field, apart from the aforementioned posts, environmental engineering may also provide employment opportunities for the following:
Civil/ structural engineering technicians (for construction works)
Mechanical engineering technicians/ craftsmen (for operation and maintenance of environmental engineering facilities and pollution control equipment)
Electrical & electronic engineering technicians/ craftsmen (for operation and maintenance of environmental engineering facilities and pollution control equipment)
Building services engineering technicians/ craftsmen (for installation and maintenance of building services that enhance pollution control, hazardous waste management and energy saving)
Remarks: For more details on the technical positions in civil/ structural engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical & electronic engineering and building services engineering, please refer to the corresponding sections.
Qualities and Qualifications
Possess the relevant technical knowledge
Interested and competent in science
Strong preference to hands-on technical work
Good communication skills, able to comprehend the ideas of environmental engineers
Able to make good judgement and organise things well
Patient, meticulous and orderly, able to follow procedures faultlessly
Highly motivated, up-to-date with the latest knowledge and technologies
A Diploma or Certificate in environmental science, environmental technology, chemical technology, waste management or other relevant science or engineering subjects, or equivalent
Different academic qualifications and work experience may be required for different job positions and job nature
Career Opportunities
Environmental technicians may work in different organisations, including:
Government departments, e.g., Environmental Protection Department, Civil Engineering Department, Water Supplies Department, Drainage Services Department, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Engineering consulting firms and contractors
Consulting firms in environmental management and planning
Engineering or environmental management departments of developers, industrial manufacturers and commercial organisations
Organisations involved in the running of large environmental facilities such as landfills
Research institutions, large industrial organisations and consulting firms involved in the research and development of new technologies and environment-friendly materials
Companies specialising in the installation, maintenance and sales of pollution control equipment
Private sewage treatment and waste recycling companies
Non-government organisations in environmental protection