About Environmental and Occupational Health Jobs

Environmental and occupational health specialists work in a variety of settings which include public health agencies, healthcare facilities or private businesses. Individuals choosing this career help to ensure the rules established for public safety are practiced and followed by organizations they serve.

Responsibilities
Environmental and occupational health specialists employed by a city health department can be found inspecting food service facilities to make sure food is handled and prepared safely. Upon completion of an inspection, the health specialist makes their recommendation if the facility is permitted to keep their operating license. Health specialists also guarantee not only the public's safety, but also the workers. For instance, health care workers who have been exposed to an infectious disease such as hepatitis. The specialist would interview workers about daily work practices to determine how the exposure occurred, and recommend policy changes to prevent it from happening in the future.

Training
Health specialists not only inspect businesses and facilities. They also train people in recommended safety procedures. It is also the specialist's job to make sure any business or facility they are inspecting has written policies in compliance with the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety.

Education
The minimum required training for a position in the environmental and occupational health field is a bachelor's degree. However, most positions require a graduate degree or further professional certification.

Salary
The salary ranges for these positions are between $33,000 and just over $85,000 annually, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.