All about the profession of laboratory assistant-ecologist

The state of the environment is constantly changing under the influence of various man-made and natural disasters. The pollution of the planet has become a global problem, which is why professions are in demand these days, one way or another related to the development of products that are safe for nature. In order to understand how a product affects the environment, it is necessary to conduct some research. This is done laboratory assistant-ecologist, whose activities we will consider in more detail today.

Laboratories are opening all over the world that conduct various tests and determine the environmental suitability of products. In them and laboratory assistants-ecologists work, using special equipment to assess the environmental performance of the object under study.

What is the main feature of the profession of an environmental laboratory assistant? Is that with the help of his research, a global catastrophe can be prevented, stopping the production of this or that product in time, or revise its composition and start using more environmentally friendly components that do not harm human health and do not pollute the environment.

What exactly does an environmental laboratory assistant do? Consider his responsibilities:

• performance of laboratory analyzes and measurements using special equipment;
• collection of samples of plant and animal nature, as well as soil for their subsequent study in the laboratory;
• determination of the degree of pollution of water, air, soil;
• examination and forecasting of the further impact of the production process on the world and people.

A professional environmental laboratory assistant must have the following skills:

• have a good understanding of environmental laws, standards and regulations;
• know chemistry, physics, biology, understand the essence of the processes occurring in nature;
• know the procedure for conducting environmental impact assessment;
• understand the methods of environmental monitoring;
• be able to work on a computer, have modeling skills using special programs;
• adopt domestic and foreign developments related to nature protection;
• take over the maintenance of document flow within the framework of its competence;
• speak at least one foreign language.

Personal qualities:

• tact, flexible mind, civic courage (useful to challenge the unauthorized actions of persons in positions of authority, government agencies);
• discipline;
• the ability to work both in a team and alone;
• resistance to stress;
• conscientiousness, responsible attitude to work, dedication;
• accuracy;
• the ability to analyze and draw conclusions;
• love for the world around, animals, plants;
• the ability to independently make decisions and be responsible for them.

Specific requirements for a specialist:

• the ability to subtly distinguish colors;
• well-developed sense of smell;
• tactile sensitivity;
• developed fine motor skills of the fingers;
• excellent visual memory.

Today in Russia there are many educational institutions that have the profession of laboratory assistant-ecologist in the list of proposed specialties. You can complete training both after 9th and after 11th grade. To enroll in an environmental laboratory assistant, you need to go through a certificate competition. You can choose a college, university... And adults who want to change their professional activities can go through professional retraining. The duration of training depends on the form (day, evening) and the existing education (9 or 11 grades).

An environmental laboratory assistant can be:

• a dosimetrist performing work on measuring the level of contamination of surfaces and space with radioactive atoms using dosimetric instruments;
• a laboratory assistant for the analysis of gases and dust - to analyze the air, measure the degree of dustiness in the premises;
• a spectral analysis laboratory assistant working in laboratory conditions and performing a qualitative analysis of a variety of samples;
• laboratory assistant for chemical and bacteriological analysis - to prepare samples for testing and analysis, to test samples of raw materials and finished products in the laboratory;
• laboratory assistant of chemical analysis - to receive information on the chemical composition or chemical properties of the substances under study;
• laboratory assistant-microbiologist, carrying out the process of fermentation of antibiotics and other biosynthetic drugs in the laboratory;
• laboratory assistant-polarographer who analyzes dry samples and solutions by polarography;
• a sampler engaged in the collection and cutting of samples of minerals, metals, raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products, solutions, oil products, solid mineral fuels, building materials by hand using samplers and special devices.

An environmental laboratory assistant can work:

• at construction and production facilities;
• in environmental organizations;
• in the medical industry;
• in administrative bodies;
• in educational institutions;
• in insurance companies;
• in charitable foundations.

Let's talk about the salary of this specialist. Its size depends on a number of factors.

• The region of work (in dangerous areas, for example, contaminated with radiation, its indicators are significantly higher than average).
• Specialization, work experience, seniority.
• Workload.
• Who is the employer: a government agency or a commercial organization. In the first case, the level of remuneration is initially lower, but there are more opportunities for career growth.

Well, now let's look at the real numbers. Judging by the latest data, the environmental laboratory assistant receives in Russia:

• 15,000–20,000 rubles per month for a state-owned enterprise;
• 20,000-50,000 rubles per month in a private company.

Survey of salary abroad ($ per month):

• Belarus - 350;
• Ukraine - 250;
• UAE - 1000;
• USA - from 5000;
• Estonia - from 1000;
• France - from 1000.

For more information about the profession of an environmental laboratory assistant, see the next video.