Environmental Technology

Managing the Environment's Health

The Environmental Technology program has two areas of emphasis that allow students to specialize in the new and growing fields of environmental management and occupational health and safety. Environmental management emphasizes the study of, and the solutions for, environmental pollution and its effect on the environment and people. Occupational health and safety emphasizes the causes of, and the solutions for, hazardous agents in occupational settings, unsafe work practices, and their effect on human health and welfare.

Program Awards

Our Environmental Technology programs are included in the Health, Wellness & Public Safety field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion
Environmental Health and Safety Studies, Associate in Science Degree: Career/Technical	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Occupational Health and Safety, Associate in Science Degree: Career/Technical	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Environmental Management, Certificate of Achievement	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Occupational Health and Safety, Certificate of Achievement	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Waste Technician, Certificates of Proficiency	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the Environmental Management major. Most of these require a certificate or an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, and a few require a graduate-level degree: field sampling technician, environmental scientist, hazardous materials specialist, pollution control technician, environmental specialist, environmental compliance manager, environmental investigator, water quality technician, air quality aide, recycling coordinator, environmental economist, environmental lawyer, environmental journalist, waste management specialist, vocational teacher, transportation planner, legislative researcher, emergency responder, site remediation specialist, hazardous materials manager, wastewater treatment operator, pollution prevention specialist, toxicologist, environmental regulator, environmental activist, occupational health and safety specialist, risk analyst, and industrial hygienist.

The average annual salary in this field is $87,650 for occupations like Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.

Typical Duties

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.