Environmental Health Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities: Environmental health specialists work in a very wide range of settings. The inspection work may take place in modern homes and offices, industrial plants, private businesses, and even parks and wildlife refuges. Analysis of materials collected during inspections occurs in a laboratory setting. The job may entail exposure to potentially dangerous materials including industrial pollution, medical and nuclear waste, airborne and waterborne germs or other contaminants, and substances such as lead and asbestos.

Salary: $37,300 to $57,551 per year

Education: Most positions for environmental health specialists require at least a bachelor's degree. Significant course work in chemistry, biology, public health, physical sciences, as well as environmental engineering is usually needed as well. Those who want to work for the government have to complete a certification course administered by the appropriate local, state, or federal agency. Most states have 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.

Reflection: I would not like to be one of these because I really not like it, but at the same time have a lot of problems to be one.