Environmental Monitoring Technician

Imagine you are standing on the land your family has called home for many generations, where they have hunted, fished, and lived off the land. You are an environmental monitoring technician for a private company that has been contracted to build a landfill for the local Aboriginal community.

As a member of this community, you have a vested interest in the landfill project and want to ensure all environmental regulations are followed. As an employee of the construction company, you will be closely involved in the project in a position where you can address your community’s concerns. As an environmental monitoring technician, you are responsible for observing industry activities to ensure compliance with land-use and other environmental impact agreements.

Before construction on the landfill can begin, the company must conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to identify strategies to minimize and mitigate the potential effects of the landfill on the environment. You will work with the company’s environmental team to collect baseline data on the area, including soil and water samples. You will also make certain special consideration is given to the possible impacts of construction on traditional land-use areas and ecological species.

Once approval is given and the company is ready to begin construction, you will be responsible for monitoring how the company clears the land. For example, you’ll ensure that it follows regulations for the removal and storage of topsoil and sub-surface materials, stays within authorized zones, and avoids sensitive areas.

During construction, you will also observe the site to make sure necessary permits are posted, waste is disposed of appropriately, and fuel and other hazardous materials are handled properly. Until the landfill is complete, you will monitor the activities and environmental impact of the project and report any issues to the appropriate person, whether it is the company, the regulatory agency, or the community.