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Environmental Technician/Technologist, Hazardous Waste Technician, Laboratory Technician/Technologist, Waste Management Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in handling materials to collect water samples and other materials for analyses; and to develop, implement and evaluate health and safety programs and strategies
Interest in analyzing data from investigations of health and safety related complaints, spills of hazardous chemicals, outbreaks of diseases and poisonings and from workplace accidents and illnesses
Interest in speaking with employers, employees and the general public to deliver training and advise on public health, environmental protection and workplace safety issues; and in initiating enforcement procedures to fine or to close establishments that contravene municipal, provincial and federal regulations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Hazardous waste management involves preventing and reducing the use of hazardous materials, reducing or eliminating the production of hazardous waste, reusing materials and disposing of hazardous waste safely.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, hazardous waste management technologists:
Hazardous waste management technologists often work in cooperation with environmental engineers to develop new methods of dealing with hazardous waste.
Working conditions vary. Hazardous waste management technologists may work in office environments or around dirty, noisy industrial sites. Depending on the circumstances, they may be required to wear personal protective equipment, work outdoors in all kinds of weather, travel frequently (sometimes internationally) or lift equipment weighing up to or over 20 kilograms. They may also be required to work for extended periods of time in emergency response situations.
Hazardous waste management technologists need:
They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to their work, analyzing data, finding innovative solutions to problems and directing the work of others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2011 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 16 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 12, 2021 and Sep 28, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Type of Inspection and Investigation: Workplace | 11 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 10 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 10 |
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel | 9 |
| Attention to detail | 8 |
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Word | 8 |
| Type of Inspection and Investigation: Hazardous products handling and storage | 7 |
| Type of Inspection and Investigation: Work related accidents | 7 |
| Tasks: Inspect workplaces for safety or health hazards | 7 |
| Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS PowerPoint | 7 |
Hazardous waste management technologists must be:
Hazardous waste management technologists may acquire the required skills and knowledge through a variety of educational routes combined with on-the-job training. For example, they may take a related 2-year diploma program (such as environmental science or natural resource management) or a related 3 or 4-year degree program (such as a bachelor of science degree in biology, chemistry or environmental science). Hazardous waste management technologists employed in mid-level positions may require a master's or a doctoral degree.
The following hazardous material courses may be required or recommended:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Hazardous waste management technologists are employed by the following types of organizations:
Some employers may require applicants to have a clean driving record.
Hazardous waste management technologists employed in larger organizations may advance to supervisory positions. Obtaining a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in science or environmental engineering usually is required to move into management, consulting or professional roles such as hazardous materials engineer, recycling manager or environmental auditor.
Hazardous waste management technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety. In Alberta, 85% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 154 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.27 | $59.14 | $35.13 | $34.62 |
| Overall | $20.55 | $73.98 | $42.25 | $40.38 |
| Top | $24.41 | $95.97 | $47.57 | $46.15 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $103,047 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $98,657 |
| Utilities | $92,336 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $87,547 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $82,969 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $80,112 |
| Manufacturing | $76,736 |
| Educational Services | $76,214 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $76,043 |
| Retail Trade | $67,606 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $67,332 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $65,762 |
| Construction | $65,408 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $57,968 |
| Wholesale Trade | $55,522 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $48,189 |
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: aset.ab.ca
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA) website: www.pchem.ca
Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) website: cecab.org
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
Environmental Services Association of Alberta website: esaa.org
Alberta Construction Safety Association website: www.youracsa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 03, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.