How to become An Environmental Health Specialist

Water and air...the two essential fluids on which all life depends...have degenerated into global garbage cans. Environmental Health Specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.

• Environmental Health Inspector
• Environmental Safety Inspector
• Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

What do Environmental Health Specialists do?

An Environmental Health Specialist would typically need to:

• Work for government agencies that monitor safety and environmental regulations
• Be aware of the high-tech devices used to test samples, plants and factories for pollution or industrial waste
• Inspect public facilities such as schools, daycare centers, and nursing homes for harmful substances such as radon or lead paint
• Monitor how hospitals handle biological waste and inspect restaurants for cleanliness; ensure swimming pools and other recreational facilities are safe for public use
• Inspect food manufacturing plants and respond to waste spills; oversee the clean-up of polluted areas to ensure mass-produced food is safe for public consumption
• Collect samples of soil, air, water, and possible pollutants from the places they inspect; test them in the lab for dangerous levels of hazardous substances
• Issue permits and certificates to stating that the inspected location meets minimum acceptable health and safety standards
• Draw up plans to monitor a facility where possible health problems are discovered to determine the source and nature of the hazard
• Evaluate the success of measures taken to resolve the issue and find alternative solutions if needed
• Inspect landfills, and storage tanks found underground; decontaminate a radioactive environment
• Collect environmental health statistics; be responsible for implementing health and safety training programs; give safety protection support to employees within a given workplace
• Consult physicians and medical personnel about environmental and healthcare matters; accordingly advise policymakers on projects

Environmental Health Specialists work in a wide range of settings from residences and offices to wildlife refuges or labs to gather data and monitor environmental conditions firsthand. For most posts, the role will involve travel within the working day, although overnight absence from home is uncommon. You need to dress smartly, although it may be necessary to wear protective clothing on some sites.

Most Environmental Health Specialists work full time.

Accredited BSc and MSc courses are accepted worldwide, and opportunities are available with organizations such as the European Commission. Private companies post openings for Environmental Health Specialists in newspaper classified sections and on Internet job search sites. Government agencies may also have job listings at local government offices.

Environmental Health Specialists are generally employed by:

• Government Agencies
• Local & State Healthcare Departments
• Wildlife Parks
• Environmental Enforcement Agencies
• Hospitals
• Armed Forces
• Supermarkets
• Holiday Companies
• Private Consultancies
• Educational Institutions

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Environmental Health Specialists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications.

• Conditions may occasionally be dirty and unpleasant, such as when inspecting unclean or unsafe buildings
• Exposure to potentially dangerous materials including industrial pollution, medical and nuclear waste, airborne and waterborne germs, lead or asbestos
• Site visits in all sorts of weather conditions
• Work may be stressful and confrontational, sometimes requiring police help, especially when enforcing regulations

The practical training element of requisite qualifications for employment can be undertaken through a formal training placement with a local authority or by gaining experience from several relevant organizations.

The portfolio of an Environmental Health Specialist, which also comprises an essential chunk of training, requires candidates to undertake a range of interventions, develop a variety of skills, and reflect upon their experiences. The specialist areas covered include food safety, health safety, housing and health, environmental protection, and public health.

Positions for Environmental Health Specialists require at least a bachelor's degree with special emphasis on chemistry, biology, public health, physical sciences, and environmental engineering. Most aspirants go on to receive a master’s degree in Environmental Health, public health, and health science. Earning a master’s in Environmental Health online is becoming increasingly common.

Environmental Health Specialists have to complete a certification course administered by the appropriate agency to work for the government. Most countries have accredited licensing boards that examine potential candidates and grant certification to qualified applicants.

The type of training and certification needed depends on the types of facilities being inspected. Specialist certification for dealing with certain hazardous materials will prove advantageous to an aspiring Environmental Health Specialist.

Once you gain the knowledge and experience required, you may choose to specialize in a particular area or continue in a broad-based career. You will work in a team headed by a team leader or senior officer and deal with a range of functions.

General practitioners are in demand in smaller, rural, and local organizations where they deal with all environment-related activities. There are many career development opportunities, especially within local authorities with large Environmental Health departments, with well-established promotion routes to more senior posts.

Larger organizations tend to offer more opportunities for specialist development in more defined roles such as food safety, health, and safety at work, housing, public health.

Environmental Health Specialists who work for government agencies typically advance along a specified career ladder where they receive salary increases according to a set schedule. When the top salary level is reached, further advancement leads to supervisory positions. There is a good deal of competition for these positions based on the needs of the agency and the candidate’s qualifications.

Other prospects include becoming the head of a much larger department, employing other built environment professionals, and switching between local authorities and the private sector to gain broader experience and seek more senior positions. Lecturing and overseas work is also possible.

Increasing concern for environmental health and safety is balanced by public concern for reductions in the government’s size and regulatory power. For this reason, the employment outlook for government-employed environmental safety inspectors is about average.

Most job openings in government work will result from the retirement of existing employees or transfer to other fields of work. The demand for Environmental Health Specialists in private industry should grow as more companies turn toward self-enforcement of regulations to avoid government sanctions.

If you are an individual with superb problem-solving skills and the ability to fast action, you will become an Environmental Health Specialist.

Gaining chartered status and undertaking agreed levels of continuing professional development (CPD) would enable progression to more senior posts. Professional organizations offer membership to individuals who fulfill their requirements. The status accorded by the organization is likely to be a qualification recognized by government bodies and local authorities.

CPD is required to maintain professional status. All practicing members of professional organizations have to undertake a set requirement of CPD hours per year, which involves attending courses, seminars, and conferences. Other relevant skills, such as management training, may also be developed.

The work of Environmental Health Specialists is diverse. Employment exists in most large towns and cities. Overseas work or travel is uncommon.

In addition to the typical responsibilities that would be shouldered by all Environmental Health Specialists, those working for private companies may also be responsible for keeping the firm’s facilities up to government standards. Hence they need to be familiar with the current government and industry regulations and the areas where health or safety problems are likely to arise. They may also need to develop plans to help employees reduce the possibility of violations to ensure a clean chit by government inspectors.

A glass bottle made in our time will take more than 4,000 years to decompose.

An Environmental Health Specialist models for and ensures that humankind walks lightly on Earth, like good guests…and like all the other creatures do.

The bigger we get, the smaller we act.