Air Quality Technician

Working Schedule

Air Quality Technicians typically work full-time, with some overtime required during environmental crises or for project deadlines. The role may include travel to different testing sites and occasional fieldwork.

Typical Duties

• Inspect residential homes, public spaces, and businesses, to identify and address air quality issues
• Visit factories, construction sites, and other workplaces where workers might be exposed to harmful pollutants
• Collect and analyze air samples (such as for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, pollutants, or other contaminants such as mold, radon, dust mites/allergens, asbestos, or volatile organic compounds emitted from paints, lacquers, cleaning supplies, adhesives, permanent markers, pesticides, building materials, etc.)
• Change sampling equipment filters. Diagnose and repair minor issues with monitoring equipment
• Install pollution monitoring equipment such as remote sensors. Utilize data drawn from remote sensing devices
• Use equipment like gas chromatographs and spectrometers for detailed analysis
• Interpret data and compile findings into comprehensive air quality reports. Discuss results with clients
• Ensure organizations understand environmental regulations and standards
• Suggest effective pollution control or other remedial measures
• Collaborate with environmental scientists and policymakers
• Label and track samples to maintain integrity during transport to labs for testing

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct regular maintenance and calibration of air monitoring equipment
• Engage in public education about air quality and its impacts
• Stay up to date on pollution prevention and applicable air quality regulations

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Clear communication
• Curiosity
• Independence
• Patience
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork

Technical Skills

• Basic knowledge of chemistry and physics
• Data input, data analysis programs, and report writing
• Proficiency in using air sampling and analysis instruments such as high-volume air samplers, gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, flame ionization detectors, photoionization detectors, beta attenuation monitors, nephelometers, particle sizers and counters, volatile organic compound analyzers, multi-gas monitors, and aerosol monitors
• Knowledge of using moisture meters, mold test kits, radon test kits, and anemometers
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems
• Proper wear of personal protective equipment, when needed
• Understanding of environmental regulations and standards

• Home inspection service providers
• Environmental consulting firms
• Government agencies
• Industrial manufacturing plants
• Research institutions
• Non-profit environmental organizations

Air Quality Technicians are key to ensuring suitable air quality for communities. They may rotate between working in laboratories, at industrial sites, and outdoors where they may be exposed to inclement conditions.

Depending on the job, continuous learning may be necessary due to the evolving nature of environmental standards and technologies. Staying up-to-date requires an ongoing investment in professional development and adaptation to new methods and regulations.

Over the past 50 years, air quality in America has improved thanks, in part, to the Clean Air Act. Since 1970, “the combined emissions of criteria and precursor pollutants have dropped [in the US] by 78%,” notes the Environmental Protection Agency.

But there’s plenty of work to be done, with ~36% of Americans still living “in places with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution,” per the American Lung Association.

As public awareness rises, the demand for cleaner air continues to shape federal and state policies as well as drive community action. These things, in turn, push organizations to advance more sustainable practices and shift away from less renewable energy sources that contribute to air pollution. 

People in this field were often drawn to environmental science from a young age. They may have also enjoyed outdoor activities, and been curious how modern society has impacted our natural environment!