The Future Workforce of the Environmental Laboratory

Abstract

Key Takeaways The environmental laboratory workforce is aging out and needs creative solutions to recruit and retain skilled staff to perform physical, microbial, chemical, and radiological tests. There are immediate needs for chemists to work in radiochemistry and to conduct analyses for per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other contaminants of emerging concern. Promoting the water and wastewater industry and developing the industry workforce require education through public outreach, internships, fellowships, and citizen science.

Developing an Effective Environmental Laboratory Workforce

“…They concluded that what's needed is a highly diverse workforce in terms of educational backgrounds, skill sets, and desired working conditions. One key issue identified was the need to bring in a young, talented workforce with a passion for protecting public health and the environment (Adams et al 2023b).…”