Environmental science and protection technicians conduct laboratory and field tests to determine the level and sources of pollution in the environment. To do this, they may have to collect samples of environmental resources to test them in a laboratory. Then, usually under the supervision of an environmental scientist, they are involved in the abatement or elimination of the sources of environmental pollution.
Technicians are involved in the regulation of waste products; testing of air, water, and soil for the levels of pollutants; management of hazardous materials; affecting compliance with environmental regulations; and the clean-up of polluted sites. They use complex instrumentation and advanced monitoring and testing equipment.

Most environmental science and protection technicians work for state and local governments or professional, scientific, and technical services firms.