Employment of environmental science and protection technicians is expected to grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as the increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand for environmental science and protection technicians. Further demand is expected as a result of new and increasingly complex environmental laws and regulations.
Most employment growth for environmental science and protection technicians is projected to be in private consulting firms. More businesses and governments are expected to use these firms in the future to help them monitor and manager the environment and comply with regulations.
Environmental science and protection technicians should have good opportunities for employment. In addition to openings due to growth, many job openings are expected to be created by those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Job candidates with an associate’s degree or experience should have the best opportunities.
Job opportunities available in state and local governments will vary from year to year with the budgets of state and local environmental protection agencies.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition