An environmental health specialist is a professional who works to protect public health by identifying and assessing environmental health hazards. They work to develop and implement programs and policies to prevent or mitigate the effects of these hazards.
Environmental Health Specialist job duties include:
- Inspecting and investigating sources of pollution
- Collecting samples of air, water, and soil for testing
- Identifying environmental health hazards
- Educating the public about environmental health risks
- Developing and implementing programs to control or mitigate environmental health hazards
- Investigating complaints related to environmental health hazards
- Enforcing environmental health regulations
- Keeping abreast of new developments in the field of environmental health
- Preparing reports on findings and recommendations
Environmental Health Specialist Job Requirements
An Environmental Health Specialist typically has a bachelor's degree in environmental health, science, or a related field. Certification from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is also required. In some states, licensure may be required. Several years of experience working in environmental health or a related field is also generally required.
Environmental Health Specialist Skills
- Inspecting
- Investigating
- Monitoring
- Collecting samples
- Recording data
- Analyzing data
- Identifying trends
- Identifying risk factors
- Developing plans
- Implementing plans
- Evaluating results
- Writing reports
Related: Top Environmental Health Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Environmental Health Specialist
An environmental health specialist is a professional who works to protect public health by identifying and assessing environmental health hazards. They work to develop policies and programs to prevent or mitigate the effects of environmental health hazards. To become an environmental health specialist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. Many environmental health specialists also have a master’s degree in environmental health or public health. You will also need to obtain certification from the National Environmental Health Association.
Related: Environmental Health Specialist Resume Example
Related: Environmental Health Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)