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Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

The short answer

Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 67 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.

How much AI could touch this job

Middleband 3 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 73% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Maintain process parameters and evaluate process anomalies.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Assist in the cleanup of hazardous material spills.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Collect and analyze pollution samples, such as air or ground water.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Decontaminate or test field equipment used to clean or test pollutants from soil, air, or water.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Prepare and package environmental samples for shipping or testing.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Receive, set up, test, or decontaminate equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Very similar work
    +12% pay264 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 12% more—$72,261 vs your $64,290 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Written Comprehension
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Mathematics
    • Engineering and Technology

    New skills to build

    • Computers and Electronics
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Very similar work
    +25% pay96 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 25% more—$80,402 vs your $64,290 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mathematics
    • Written Comprehension
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Reading Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Design
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

    Somewhat similar work
    +2% pay2,871 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 2% more—$65,449 vs your $64,290 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Mathematics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Chemistry
    • Mechanical

    New skills to build

    • Public Safety and Security
    • Operations Monitoring
    • Telecommunications
    • Operation and Control
  • Power Plant Operators

    Somewhat similar work
    +70% pay6,702 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 70% more—$109,433 vs your $64,290 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Mechanical
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Engineering and Technology

    New skills to build

    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Operation and Control
    • Operations Monitoring