Contaminated Land Technician Career Profile

What the role involves

Contaminated Land Technicians assist with drilling programs, soil and groundwater sampling, site inspections, monitoring wells, waste classification and remediation works.

They need strong safety awareness because contaminated land sites may involve construction hazards, hazardous materials, traffic, drilling rigs and strict sampling procedures.

Typical employers

Contaminated Land Technician roles in Australia may be found with:

• environmental consultancies
• contaminated land and remediation contractors
• engineering consultancies
• construction and infrastructure companies
• mining and industrial companies
• local councils and government agencies
• laboratories and field services firms

Key tasks

• collect soil, groundwater, surface water or vapour samples
• support drilling, test pitting or monitoring well programs
• record field observations, locations and chain-of-custody details
• assist with waste classification and remediation monitoring
• use field meters and sampling equipment
• prepare samples for laboratory analysis
• follow safety procedures for contaminated or construction sites

Skills and qualities

Contaminated Land Technician work suits people with practical environmental awareness, strong communication and careful attention to detail. Useful skills and qualities include:

• field sampling and strong attention to detail
• site safety awareness
• comfort working around drilling rigs, machinery and construction sites
• accurate record keeping and chain-of-custody procedures
• basic understanding of soil, groundwater and contamination
• communication with consultants, contractors and laboratories
• reliability under sometimes difficult site conditions

Qualifications and pathways

Useful study options and pathways may include:

• Certificate IV or Diploma in Environmental Monitoring and Technology
• Diploma or degree pathway in environmental science, geology, environmental management or contaminated land management
• white card, first aid, asbestos awareness, groundwater sampling or site safety training may be useful
• field experience in sampling, remediation, construction or environmental monitoring

Contaminated Land Technicians may progress into Environmental Consultant, Contaminated Land Consultant, Remediation Officer, Environmental Scientist, Hydrogeologist or Project Manager roles.

Salary and job outlook

Pay varies by employer, travel, overtime, project type, site risk, experience and whether the role is technician, consultant or project-based.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs are common in cities, industrial areas, infrastructure corridors, former service stations, landfills, mines, redevelopment sites and construction projects.

Tips for getting started

• gain a white card and site safety awareness
• learn soil and groundwater sampling procedures
• highlight any construction, lab, geology or fieldwork experience
• be accurate with field notes and sample labels
• show that you can work safely and calmly around contaminated sites

Related environmental careers

• Remediation Officer
• Environmental Monitoring Technician
• Environmental Consultant
• Hydrogeologist
• Geologist
• Environmental Compliance Officer