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Air Quality Specialist, Biological Sciences Technician / Technologist, Environmental Technician / Technologist, Laboratory Technician / Technologist, Water Quality 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 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
Interest in analyzing data to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
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
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.
Pollution control technologists often work as part of a team of environmental specialists that may be concerned primarily with:
Duties and responsibilities vary depending on their area of specialization but, in general, pollution control technologists:
For a description of the duties performed by technologists who work primarily in laboratories analyzing samples, see the Chemical Technologist profile.
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.
Pollution control technologists need:
They should enjoy:
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 18, 2021 and May 17, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests and analyses | 10 |
|---|---|
| Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests and analyses | 10 |
| Assist in set up and conduction of chemical experiments | 8 |
| Assist in developing and conducting sampling and analysis | 8 |
| Assist in developing and conducting sampling and analysis | 8 |
| Assist in set up and conduction of chemical experiments | 8 |
| Area of Specialization: Analytical chemistry | 7 |
| Prepare solution of gas or liquid, reagents, and sample formulations | 7 |
| Analytical Techniques: Sampling | 7 |
| Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results | 6 |
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.
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.
Certified Engineering Technologists apply industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need to be supervised by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).
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 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 Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently in accordance with 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.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice, use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience), or 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).
Pollution control technologists may work for the following types of organizations:
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.
Pollution control technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 83% 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 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians 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, 39 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 | $16.00 | $39.00 | $25.11 | $23.00 |
| Overall | $17.50 | $52.76 | $30.56 | $27.88 |
| Top | $19.60 | $52.76 | $33.42 | $32.00 |
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
| Public Administration | $79,642 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $60,911 |
| Manufacturing | $55,874 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $48,139 |
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.