Atmospheric pollution technician.

Substances which are present in the atmosphere in higher than normal concentrations are known as pollutants. Pollutants are generally released by a particular source; this process is known as an "emission". On the other hand, there is a particular concentration of a given pollutant at a particular point in the atmosphere (amount of pollutant per cubic metre of air). This concentration is known as immission level. The atmospheric pollution technician is in charge of registering pollution levels both in terms of emissions and immissions, carrying out the maintenance, gauging and operational control of manual and automated sampling and analysis equipment, and to carry out the control and maintenance of emission treatment equipment and facilities.

• Carry out control and sampling operations at emission points for subsequent laboratory analysis.
• Assess parameter analysis results to rate the performance of equipment and measuring tools.
• Check that processing and control systems operate properly and apply the necessary corrective measures to fix any equipment or device malfunctions.
• Calibrate fixed automatic emission control devices.
• Check emission control systems (pollutants which the industry releases into the atmosphere).
• Measure levels of pollutant emissions when requested to do so by the management. (Presence of pollutants in the air at different reception points.)
• Review self-regulating emission control systems.
• Compare the results obtained with the pollutant emission limits specified by Decree 833/1975 and other related regulations.
• Work with Environmental Control Agencies (ECA) when carrying out periodic emission checks.
• Carry out external air quality control (immissions) (in certain industries).
• Keep an emission register, according to the official template.
• Organise the atmospheric pollution prevention and correction service.
• Contribute to the management of environmental authorisations, licences and communications (Act 3/1998 of IIAA) and, if applicable, carry out an evaluation of environmental impact.
• Request greenhouse emission rights if the company is listed in Appendix I of Act 1/2005, of 9 March, which regulates the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading system.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família professional de Seguretat i Medi ambient: Control de la contaminació atmostèrica (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família professional de Seguretat i Medi ambient: Gestió ambiental (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Energia i Aigua: Eficiència energètica d'edificis (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Security and Environment - Advanced Level: Education and environmental control
• Grau: Biologia ambiental
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes biològics
• Grau: Ciències ambientals
• Grau: Química
• Grau: Enginyeria agroambiental i del paisatge
• Grau: Enginyeria de Ciències Agronòmiques

Analytical thought: Level 2

Initiative: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 1

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

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.

Wastewater treatment plant technician

Building energy efficiency technician

Wastewater treatment plant maintenance technician

Land analysis and remediation technician

Municipal environmental management and energy efficiency technician

• Work hours

  Either full-time or part-time, depending on the complexity and scope of the equipment, tool and facility control network and the tasks assigned.

• Salary

  From 18.239 to 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