Public Health Inspector

Environmental Health Specialist

About

An Environmental Health Specialist is a public health professional who protects the public from environmental hazards. They work to identify, assess, and control environmental risks, and they develop and implement programs to prevent and control disease and injury.

Responsibilities

Environmental Health Specialists have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Identifying and assessing environmental hazards
• Developing and implementing programs to prevent and control disease and injury
• Educating the public about environmental health risks
• Enforcing environmental laws and regulations
• Working with other public health professionals to protect the public from environmental hazards

Qualifications

Environmental Health Specialists typically have a bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, or a related field. They must also have experience in environmental health, such as working with environmental hazards or developing and implementing environmental health programs.

Career Outlook

The job Outlook for Environmental Health Specialists is expected to grow faster than average over the next few years. This is due to the increasing demand for environmental health services, such as those that protect the public from air and water pollution, hazardous waste, and other environmental hazards.

Transferable Skills

The skills that Environmental Health Specialists develop can be transferred to other careers in public health, environmental protection, and other fields. These skills include:

• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Research
• Data analysis

Projects

Environmental Health Specialists may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing and implementing a program to reduce air pollution in a community
• Investigating an outbreak of foodborne illness
• Creating a public education campaign about the dangers of lead poisoning
• Enforcing environmental laws and regulations
• Working with other public health professionals to develop and implement a comprehensive environmental health plan

Personal Growth

Environmental Health Specialists have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. They can help to protect the public from environmental hazards, and they can help to create a healthier environment for everyone.

Traits and Interests

Environmental Health Specialists typically have the following traits and interests:

• A strong interest in environmental health
• A desire to help others
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A commitment to public service

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as an Environmental Health Specialist. These projects include:

• Volunteering with a local environmental health organization
• Conducting research on environmental health topics
• Developing an environmental health education program
• Shadowing an Environmental Health Specialist
• Taking online courses in environmental health

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about environmental health and to prepare for a career as an Environmental Health Specialist. These courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this field.

Conclusion

Environmental Health Specialists play a vital role in protecting the public from environmental hazards. They have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others, and they can help to create a healthier environment for everyone.