Groundwater monitoring technician
Also known as: groundwater sampling technician, groundwater technician, environmental protection technician, groundwater laboratory technician, groundwater protection technician, environmental conservation technician
About this occupation
Groundwater monitoring technician monitor the environment, gathering data in the form of samples and performing tests in a laboratory or field, to investigate potential sources of pollution. They also perform maintenance tasks on the monitoring equipment.
A specialisation of environmental technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- water chemistry analysis
- study groundwater
- monitor water quality
- use personal protection equipment
- test chemical samples
- chemistry
- test samples for pollutants
- laboratory techniques
- interpret scientific data to assess water quality
- measure water quality parameters
- perform water testing procedures
- perform laboratory tests
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (O*NET 19-4042.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Science
US median pay: US$55,090 a year (2025), 34,670 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyImportant (3.4)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Engineers
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Conservation Scientists
- Water Resource Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.