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Environmental Health Specialists are
concerned with the environmental quality of a community and the health and
safety of the workers in that community. They are responsible for
enforcing local, state, and federal regulations that pertain to the
sanitation of food and water, handling of hazardous and infectious wastes,
and cleanliness and safety of housing and institutional environments. They
may also be in charge of collecting and analyzing samples to determine if
a hazard to public health exists. Environmental health specialists need to
be comfortable with computers and other high tech devices because they may
be called upon to prepare and calibrate the equipment used to collect and
analyze the samples. Another major function of these specialists is to
consult with and advise physicians and other medical personnel about
potential community environmental health hazards. Environmental health
specialists may specialize in milk and dairy production, food protection,
sewage disposal, pesticide management, air and water pollution, hazardous
waste disposal, occupational health, and wildlife health/management. These
professionals need to possess good oral and written communication skills
because they may have to conduct, analyze, and dispense epidemiologic data
regarding disease outbreaks within a community. Individuals must also have
good analytical and problem solving skills, work well with other people,
and have a commitment to creating a safe environment.
Work Environment:
Environmental health specialists may
work in state, county, or local health departments, hospitals, private
businesses, wildlife parks, and environmental enforcement agencies. They
are often employed as educators, consultants, and/or interpreters.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in becoming an
environmental health specialist should take high school courses in
algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics,
English, literature, computer skills, and health occupations/medical
professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in environmental
health must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Most
environmental health specialists earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental
health, but some have a degree in a related field such as
biological/chemical sciences or environmental engineering. Career
opportunities can be greatly advanced by earning a master’s or doctoral
degree in this specialty. Optional certification may be obtained through
the National Environmental Health Association.
Students interested in environmental
health should contact schools for information on admission and course of
study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for
environmental health specialists are expected to grow between 10% - 20%
through the year 2012. Because the majority of environmental health
specialists are employed by local, state, and federal agencies, job
security is usually relatively high. With an increasing amount of
environmental protection legislation being passed, demand for these health
professionals should increase steadily well into the 21st
century. Demand should also increase due to individuals retiring or
leaving the profession for other reasons.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$55,800
Salary Range
$39,200-$72,300
Professional Organizations:
National Environmental Health
Association
720 South
Colorado Blvd.
South Tower,
Suite 970
Denver, CO
80246-1925
Phone: (303) 756-9090
Fax: (303) 691-9490
www.neha.org
National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences
111 Alexander Drive
PO Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: (919) 541-3345
www.niehs.nih.gov
American Board of Industrial Hygiene
6015 West St. Joseph, Suite 102
Lansing, MI
48917-3980
Phone: (517) 321-2638
Fax: (517) 321-4624
www.abih.org |
