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Pollution Control Technologist

Pollution control technologists conduct inspections, tests and field investigations to determine the extent of existing air, water or soil contamination and find ways to control and prevent further contamination.

Also Known As

Air Quality Specialist, Biological Sciences Technician / Technologist, Environmental Technician / Technologist, Laboratory Technician / Technologist, Water Quality Specialist

NOC Codes

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.

2006 NOC

  • 2211.1: Chemical Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C111: Chemical Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22100: Chemical technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22100.01: Chemical technologists
Duties
Updated Mar 05, 2021

Pollution control technologists often work as part of a team of environmental specialists that may be concerned primarily with:

  • Air quality
  • Water quality
  • Soil quality
  • Noise control
  • Hazardous waste control
  • A combination of the above

Duties and responsibilities vary depending on their area of specialization but, in general, pollution control technologists:

  • Inspect industrial facilities, municipal facilities and waste-management facilities to determine compliance with standard operating procedures or environmental legislation
  • Follow sampling protocol to collect and analyze environmental samples, such as air or water effluent samples from industrial  processes,  water samples from streams, or contaminated soil samples from spills of process chemicals
  • Set up, operate and maintain environmental monitoring equipment and test instrumentation in fixed or mobile stations
  • Help clean up hazardous waste spills and measure the extent of damage to the surrounding environment
  • Help monitor and control pollutant emissions into the water and air
  • Help monitor and control the clean-up of contaminated land
  • Conduct environmental audits in solid waste, air and water management
  • Interpret sample analyses and field information to prepare environmental reports and maintain records
  • Recommend equipment and procedures for removing or reducing pollutant levels

For a description of the duties performed by technologists who work primarily in laboratories analyzing samples, see the Chemical Technologist profile.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 05, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Working conditions range from consistent office environments to outdoor environments in bad weather conditions or around odorous substances, pollutants or hazardous wastes. Some jobs involve a lot of physical activity including lifting equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms, travelling to field sites or being away from home for several days or weeks at a time.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Chemical Technologists

2006 NOC: 2211.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, to operate chemical and petrochemical pilot plants, and to conduct air and water quality testing and assessments

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing data to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products

METHODICAL

Interest in supervising to oversee environmental monitoring and protection activities and compliance with standards; in assisting in the development of chemical engineering processes, standards, procedures and health and safety measures; in assisting in studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 05, 2021

Pollution control technologists need:

  • Patience and perseverance to gather and test field samples
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Observation and analytical skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Tactful persistence to ensure compliance with environmental laws
  • The ability to work alone or with a team

They should enjoy:

  • Working with tools and instruments at precision tasks
  • Analyzing data to find solutions to problems
  • Taking a methodical approach to their work
  • Supervising others

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Chemical technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2211

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 69 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Nov 10, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Organized
Tasks: MS Office
Tasks: Assist in developing and conducting sampling and analysis
Health benefits: Health care plan
Accurate
Health benefits: Dental plan
Tasks: Compile records for analytical studies
Tasks: Assist in set up and conduction of chemical experiments
Tasks: Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 05, 2021
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Most pollution control technologists have related post-secondary education. For example, some may have a diploma in biological or environmental sciences. Others may have a degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental or earth science, or environmental engineering technology.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Yellowhead Tribal College Edmonton

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 05, 2021
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 05, 2021

Pollution control technologists may work for the following types of organizations:

  • Government research laboratories or inspection and maintenance departments
  • Environmental consultants
  • Electric utility generation facilities
  • Water and wastewater treatment plants
  • Private research organizations
  • Environmental monitoring agencies
  • Waste management companies
  • Oil and gas companies
  • Petrochemical companies
  • Pulp and paper companies

Pollution control technologists sometimes work as inspectors, instrument specialists, technical representatives for equipment manufacturers, or in other fields directly related to environmental investigation and enforcement.

In large organizations, experienced technologists may advance to supervisory and management positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Chemical technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2211

80.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

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 examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Chemical technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22100
Medium
Demand
4,400
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

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 examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Chemical technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2211
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
73
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

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 examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 05, 2021

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.

Chemical technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2211
Average Wage
$42.15
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,510.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2211 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $18.50 $50.24 $34.14 $35.90
Overall $20.52 $63.59 $42.15 $41.28
Top $21.08 $86.31 $46.60 $43.73

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
19%
19%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
5%
5%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Environment, Forestry and Related Studies
  • Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 05, 2021

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: aset.ab.ca

Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) website: cecab.org

ECO Canada website: eco.ca

Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA) website: esaa.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 05, 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.

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