Environmental technologist

The environmental technologist is one of the new environmental engineering professions. At Entsorgungs- und Servicebetrieb Bocholt (ESB), the apprenticeship is offered in two different specialisations:

• Wastewater management: Environmental technologists for wastewater management control environmental technology systems. They deal with the cleaning, treatment and management of wastewater - i.e. water that is contaminated after use in households, industry or commerce.
  
  
• Pipeline networks and industrial plants: Environmental technologists for pipeline networks and industrial plants are environmental specialists who deal with the inspection, cleaning, maintenance and repair of pipelines, sewer systems and industrial plants - i.e. where wastewater and other liquids are transported or treated.

What do we offer you?

• A three-year apprenticeship with an optimal combination of theory and practice
• Challenging tasks and working with modern technology
• Working in a committed and open team
• An attractive salary
• The prerequisite for a wide range of employment and further training opportunities

• At least a secondary school leaving certificate
• Interest in maths, biology, chemistry and physics
• Technical and environmentally aware understanding
• Manual skills
• Ability to work in a team and a sense of responsibility
• Motivation and reliability

• Willingness to work outdoors and in technical facilities

The three-year training programme takes place at the waste disposal and service company (ESB) of the city of Bocholt, with the vocational school training taking place at the Hans-Schwier-Berufskolleg in Gelsenkirchen.

Training content at the vocational college includes

• Business management processes, work organisation
• Information, documentation, quality assurance measures
• Waste water and environmental technology
• Machine and process engineering, measurement, control and regulation technology
• Warehousing, tools and equipment
• Safety technology, hazardous goods legislation and environmental protection
• Cleaning technology and disposal
• Documentation and measuring methods

Overview of main tasks - focus on wastewater management

Technical tasks

• Controlling and monitoring the mechanical, biological and chemical processes for wastewater treatment
• Maintenance and testing of pumps, aeration systems, filters and other technical equipment
• Checking the water quality (e.g. pH value, pollutant content, nutrients) using laboratory analyses

• Troubleshooting and repair work

Environmental protection and sustainability

• Protection of water and soil: ensuring that treated wastewater fulfils environmental requirements
• Compliance with legal regulations

Organisational tasks

• Maintaining operating logs, preparing reports, reporting limit value violations
• Optimisation of processes: Improving energy efficiency or minimising the use of chemicals
• Teamwork and communication: liaising with engineers, authorities, laboratory staff and other specialists

You can find more information about the apprenticeship specialising in wastewater management here.

Main tasks at a glance - specialising in pipeline networks and industrial plants

Cleaning and maintaining pipe and sewer systems

• Flushing, cleaning and removing deposits, sand, roots, etc.
• Use of high-pressure flushing vehicles, suction vehicles or other specialised equipment
• Ensuring that wastewater can flow unhindered - e.g. in the event of blockages or backups

Inspection and documentation

• Inspection of pipes and sewers with camera systems
• Recording damage (e.g. cracks or root ingrowth)
• Logging the conditions for renovation planning or documentation

Pipe renovation and repair

• Minor repairs to damaged pipes
• Preparation of renovation measures

Environmental protection and safety

• Working under strict safety regulations
• Protecting soil and groundwater from contamination

Operation and maintenance of equipment

• Cleaning and maintenance of equipment (pumps, cameras, vehicles)
• Functional testing and minor repairs

You can find more information about training specialising in pipeline networks and industrial plants here.

Trained environmental technologists can work in the public, private and industrial sectors.

At ESB, there are good chances of being taken on in this apprenticeship.