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.