Water is a scarce resource and fundamental for the development of a country. Water environments have an irreplaceable environmental and social function and as a result, the preservation of their quality is indispensable. The specialist in comprehensive analysis and control of river pollution is a professional or consultant that takes samples of water, sediment, macroinvertebrates, fish, etc. from rivers, lakes and reservoirs in order to monitor water quality and the ecosystem. Carry out tasks related to the management and monitoring of the condition of the water and that which surrounds it.

• Record the data on the physicochemical quality of the waters through the analysis of chemical and biological indicators: organisms (macroinvertebrates, algae, macrophytes, etc), biological demand of oxygen, chemical demand of oxygen, etc.
• Keep inventories of coastal forests and helophytes (plants that take root in water but grow out of the water).
• Control the emissions of pollutants in waters (using collection systems and diffuse sources).
• Analyse and interpret data and prepare periodic reports that include incidents, intakes and discharges capable of violating the regulations, etc.
• Make suggestions, recommendations or proposals in order to improve any aspect of the organisation, management and monitoring of the control network or other aspects related to the environmental protection and quality of water resources.
• Inform and advise the technicians from the municipalities, environmental administration and any other body or association that has authority or the intention to carry out an activity in the river environment.

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Biologia
• Grau: Biologia ambiental
• Grau: Bioquímica
• Grau: Química
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes biològics
• Grau: Ciències ambientals

Complementary training

Analytical thought: Level 3

Conceptual thought: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 2

Environment

People who work in this field focus their professional interests on the preservation, improvement or restoration of the environment (vegetation, fauna, flora) in both built-up areas and natural spaces. Some of the activities that represent this field are the detection, analysis and control of pollutants, the carrying out of measurements and tests in relation to climatic or environmental variables and the reduction of the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. The carrying out of these activities requires knowledge of the environment, for its planning and use, and of environmental regulations.

Land analysis and remediation technician

Ecosystem design and restoration consultant

Municipal environmental management and energy efficiency technician

Oceanographer

Marine scientist / technologist

• Work hours

  Usually, the work schedule is part-time and compatible with other consultancy tasks.

• Salary

  From 18.239to 26.050 euros per annum. Median: 21.796 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Technician