There are a variety of training courses environmental graduates may be interested in and that could increase their status with employers. However, the costs of these trainings can be prohibitively expensive, especially after completing expensive college courses. But on the other hand, after spending tens of thousands of dollars on a degree, what’s another thousand (I say this only partially sarcastically)? Particularly if it puts you ahead of other applicants when applying for your dream job.
If you get hired and need a training course, your employer will pay for it. But if you already have that training, it shows initiative and means you will be a productive employee with less time and money invested by the employer. But you must be deliberate in training decisions if you pay for them yourself, only pay for a training that is sure to help your career. Generally, if you are interested in environmental consulting, hazardous materials, or wetland delineation and need something to beef up your resume, paying for training could be a good idea. I explain some common environmental-related training below for your consideration.
1) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Training
Duration: 40 hours
Online or In-Person: Both offered
Approximate Cost: $400-800 (in-person) or $200-300 (online only)
The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training is the most common training anyone involved in the environmental industry may have. HAZWOPER can be required for various positions, including personnel performing hazardous waste disposal, personnel conducting environmental assessments on potentially contaminated sites, or emergency personnel responding to a hazardous materials spill.
The training can cover a variety of topics, but typically discusses concepts such as waste site characterization, waste site safety, risk assessment, environmental hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE), and decontamination. The training can be taken in classroom or online formats. Online courses are generally cheaper and more convenient, but you miss out on a classroom experience, which can more effectively teach you concepts. Classroom training can include demonstration and exercises, such as trying on PPE, which are hard to recreate online.
You will likely see this training pop up on many job postings as a requested qualification. Many environmental consultants and environmental service providers require all staff to have HAZWOPER training. If you are interested in these jobs, I recommend taking HAZWOPER training if you can afford it. The training will set you apart from other candidates, and make hiring you a lower financial risk for them. However, do note that to maintain your HAZWOPER-trained status, you will need to complete a HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training once a year after your initial 40-hour training.
2) Basic Wetland Delineation Training
Duration: 36-40 hours
Online or In-Person: In-Person
Approximate Cost: $1200-1400
A wetland delineation training course can set you up well if you are seeking employment in consulting firms specializing in wetland delineation and permitting. A basic week-long wetland delineation training is recognized nationally by employers, and by some state wetland certification programs. Wetland delineation trainings teach wetland delineation methods, as specified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Manual and associated regional supplements. This includes learning how to determine if sites satisfy vegetation, hydrology, and soil requirements for being considered a wetland; how to determine the boundaries of a wetland; and how to understand and implement wetland regulations.
Wetland delineation and permitting is a significant part of the environmental consulting industry, and many consulting firms offer these services. This training is not a requirement for being hired, or even for conducting wetland delineations. However, the training can help you to specialize in wetlands early in your career and gain valuable experience. It can also expand your environmental skillset if you have not dealt with wetlands previously.
Online basic wetland delineation trainings are beginning to be offered by major national training providers since the COVID-19 pandemic, but their worth is still unproven. I don’t have any experience with these online programs, and making students competent in wetland delineation virtually seems like a challenge. I would stick with in-person wetland training to ensure that you get the most value from the course.
3) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Training
Duration: 30 hours or 10 hours
Online or In-Person: Both offered
Approximate Cost (30 hour): $150-200+ (online), $500-800+ (in-person)
Approximate Cost (10 hour): $35-100+ (online), $150-300+ (in-person)
The OSHA Outreach Training Program has created four nationally recognized safety training courses: a 10-hour general industry course, a 10-hour construction course, a 30-hour general industry course, and a 30-hour construction course. The 10-hour training is intended for entry level workers, and the 30-hour training is aimed at personnel with safety oversight responsibilities and includes more extensive training.
All trainings provide an overview of potential hazards workers may encounter on a job site. The 10-hour training includes OSHA practices for promoting safety, reducing injuries, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency action plans. The 30-hour training goes more in-depth on these topics, and includes additional information on basic management of a safety and health program, as well as hazard identification and prevention.
The 30-hour outreach training could be beneficial if you are seeking a position in environmental health and safety (in either general industry or construction), and a 10-hour training would at least provide some exposure to the concepts. These OSHA trainings never expire or require a refresher, so the training can be a permanent part of your resume. Additionally, it’s a good idea to know basic safety practices while working in the environmental industry.
4) Asbestos Building Inspector Training or Lead Inspector Training
Duration: 24 hours each
Online or In-Person: In-Person
Approximate Cost: $500-700 each
Many environmental consultants specialize in hazardous materials studies, including asbestos or lead inspections. If you’re interested in jobs with these consultants, being a licensed asbestos inspector or trained lead inspector will be of great interest to a hiring manager.
The need for Asbestos Building Inspector training was created by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, and the training allows you to become a licensed asbestos inspector in many states. The course provides an overview of the types of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in buildings, how to categorize ACM, how to perform inspections and sampling, inspection safety, and ACM regulations.
Lead Inspector Training results from the EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Abatement Program and can allow for state certification. This training includes how to locate lead in buildings, how to inspect and sample for lead, health effects of lead exposure, sources of lead contamination, and information about relevant regulations.
An annual refresher course is required for both trainings once you have taken the initial course.