A study examined the knowledge and job skills required of persons employed in air pollution control (APC)-related occupations in Italy's public service sector. First, Italian legislation on APC and the functions/powers of Italy's public agencies responsible for APC were reviewed. The organization/operation of the public structures involved in environmental protection (EP) were analyzed in terms of four main areas of activity: policymaking, research/consultancy, inspection/control, and information/guidance. Data from interviews of a total of 18 persons from central authorities, research institutions, and regional/local authorities involved in EP/APC were used to develop occupational profiles and an overview of the activities/functions of public service sector employees in the field of EP/APC and the organization/structure of Italy's environmental education and training system. It was discovered that, despite their strongly hierarchical structure, Italy's EP/APC organizations do not divide tasks rigidly among their employees, and specific academic qualifications are not always required for access to the various APC-related posts. Training provision was often inadequate; however, awareness of the problem appeared widespread, and efforts to improve/expand the system were being planned/implemented. (Appended are a table detailing the organization/functions of Italy's public sector agencies responsible for EP/APC and the survey questionnaire.) (MN)