Environmental issues are all too common in today’s world, both in urban and rural areas. The variety of pressing environmental issues presents many opportunities. Anyone who is interested in a career in environmental health has a world of opportunities available to them. The field of environmental health is diverse. It includes any and all issues that affect the health of the planet and its inhabitants. This includes effects that are beneficial, as well as those that are considered to be damaging.
Because of this, careers in environmental health may include a wide variety of issues. These issues could include the research of land and water resources and the analysis of air quality. It also includes the quest to find ways to mitigate the effects of the modern lifestyle on the ecosystem.
Are you considering the pursuit of an education and eventually a career in environmental health? If so, there are many great job options to consider. Each of the following jobs are considered important to the field. Additionally, the job growth rate in this field is very good. People care a great deal about the environment. Because of that, they are willing to spend money and resources to ensure the quality of the world around them. The job options vary in how much education is needed to get the position. There is also a wide range when considering how much money you could expect to make.
It is good to consider various options when deciding exactly what type of career to pursue. Here are some great job options to think about when considering the field of environmental health.
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Environmental Scientists and Researchers
One of the best job options in the field of environmental health is that of an environmental scientist or researcher. Science, as well as scientific research, provides the framework through which the public views the impact of environmental factors on their life. Environmental scientists study various elements. These include water quality, air quality, and soil contamination among other things. They establish standards and acceptable methods of monitoring compliance with these standards. Part of their work includes the mitigation of problems caused by non-compliance. Then they must be able to find solutions for contaminated water supplies, polluted air, or the presence of noxious chemicals in soil.
Regardless of which discipline you specialize in, an environmental scientist will have broad but critical functions. These functions and skills will be used in a variety of settings. These would include government and private laboratories. Other jobs could be found at consultancies, consumer advocacy groups and government agencies, according to Environmental Science. You can enter the field as an environmental scientist or researcher with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental health, or a related field.
Environmental Policy Planning and Management
One of the top options for a career in environmental health is that of an environmental policy planner. The demand for environmental planners is growing. It is also expected to continue to grow over the next ten years. Now more than ever, policy planners and experts are needed to develop strategies to manage the environment. They must do this while ensuring that everyone has access to resources. They are responsible for creating guidelines for establishing standards. They are also responsible for preparing documentation that may serve as a basis for passing legislation.
This is a career that requires technical aptitude. Not only that, but it is important to obtain requisite academic and research background. Job opportunities are most often found in the federal system. These departments include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Environmental strategists may find employment in the private sector. Examples of these jobs are in think tanks and consultancies.
Those looking to pursue jobs in this field should begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or a related field. Further certifications or degrees may be necessary, depending on the specific job or career pursuit.
Environmental Lawyers
Another great option for those looking for jobs in the environmental health spectrum is that of an environmental lawyer. Environmental issues are addressed by referencing science-based reports. No matter how solid these reports are, acting on any recommendations will have to consider legal aspects. Property rights, privacy rules and the possibility of civil litigation require legal expertise.
Environmental lawyers advocate for or against environmental initiatives. They may represent individuals, institutions or class action lawsuits. They will push for reforms, compensation, and mitigation of damages in cases where known environmental hazards have affected certain parties. Lawyers could build up expertise on environmental issues through experience, personal advocacy or working with advocacy groups.
There are many opportunities for specialization as an environmental lawyer. Additionally, environmental lawyers can expect to earn an above-average salary. To work as an environmental lawyer, you must earn a law degree, as well as an undergraduate degree.
Public Health Specialists
Another solid environmental health career choice is that of a public health expert, otherwise known as a public health specialist. Environmental scientists may also specialize in addressing the impact of environmental problems on human health. They will then need to analyze and develop plans and programs that can protect the health. They will also need to promote healthy lifestyles in individuals, families and communities.
The need for public health specialists is great, both in the United States and abroad. Public health specialists have many responsibilities. These include researching diseases and illnesses, and helping to track and prevent public health outbreaks. They are also responsible for lessening the disparity between health issues in different people groups. There are many job options for public health experts. Biologists, microbiologists, geneticists and immunologists are involved in studying the long and short-term effects of environmental factors on humans.
Other public health specialist positions might include jobs in schools or communities. These jobs work specifically in the area of prevention. These specific job titles might include drug and alcohol prevention specialist, disease intervention specialist, school prevention specialist, or data analytics specialist. An undergraduate degree in one of these disciplines is a good start to establishing a career in environmental health. However, an advanced degrees, such as a medical degree, master’s or doctorate, is usually required to earn a leadership position as a public health specialist.
Health and Safety Director
Another related job is that of a health and safety director. Health and safety directors usually work directly alongside a business or corporation. Their job is to ensure safe working conditions and attempt to prevent any possible issues. Health and safety directors are also needed in the areas of construction, traffic control, and factories. A health and safety director will need to analyze data in a specific workplace. They will then need to develop, put into place, and promote specific policies to ensure a safe working environment.
Health and safety directors oversee health and safety managers and promoters. A health and safety director must have plans in place to enforce the guidelines they have set. This is important so that they can promote and maintain a safe work environment. Conditions need to be monitored and re-evaluated regularly so that the workplace remains both healthy and safe.
If you want to become a health and safety director, you need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or a related field. It is likely that you will need various certifications. The certifications needed will depend on the specific field you are responsible for overseeing. Years of experience in health and safety is usually needed before being able to assume the role of a health and safety director.
Food Safety Inspector
Another job option within the environmental health field is that of a food safety inspector. A food safety inspector can hold any of a variety of positions. Each one of these positions is an important part of ensuring the safety of what we put into our mouths.
Food safety inspectors are employed at any facility that produces mass amounts of food, such as a meat, egg, or poultry processing plant. They are responsible for making sure that all the food meets safety and labeling requirements.
Food safety inspectors are also needed to regularly visit supermarkets and restaurants. There are clear rules and regulations in place for how food should be stored and handled. Safety inspectors check to ensure that these rules are being followed. Food safety inspectors check that every one of these facilities are meeting the criteria set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). There are also state and local laws related to food safety, and these also need to be enforced. Food safety inspectors can be employed privately, as well as working for the local, state, or federal government.
Food safety inspectors can also be employed as import inspectors. Import inspectors are stationed at ports across the country to ensure the safety of the food that is coming from elsewhere in the world. To become a food safety inspector, you must earn an undergraduate degree in environmental health or a related field. Additionally, you must pass a written exam specific to the field of food safety.
Air Pollution Analyst
Air pollution analysts hold the important job of analyzing data collected from areas with polluted air. They can also be referred to as air quality field technicians. They will need to collect, measure, and test the samples so that they can determine the air quality. Then it will be necessary to discover the source of the pollutant. After that, they must work to come up with a plan to lessen the effect of the pollutant on the air quality.
Much of the work of an air pollution analyst is done within a lab. It is a good idea to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental health, or a related field, such as chemistry. Air pollution analysts are often employed by government agencies. This could be on a local, state, or federal level. They can also work for large corporations or organizations, or anyone else who needs to ensure that the air quality is up to standard.
Outlook for Environmental Health Careers
The world is facing many pressing issues due to the change in environmental factors. Given this, you can be sure to expect a stable career growth if you opt for a career in environmental health. These careers focus on issues critical to human health, survival of the species and preserving and enhancing quality of life. As such, expect the popularity of specializations to shift as different needs arise. Having a solid background in any of the sciences is a good place to start.
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Environmental health careers are on the rise. The job outlook for any one of the above career choices is expected to rise over the next number of years. By choosing a career in environmental health, you will have a rewarding career helping the environment and the public together.
MPH Staff, December 2022