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Environmental Health Specialist take care of the public by enforcing health and safety standards relating to food and other consumer products. Some tasks they are responsible for consist of routine inspections of establishments, conduct water quality sampling, inspect public pools and recreation areas etc., to ensure minimum health and safety standards are met. (CDPH,n.d) - Sabrina Rico

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Environmental Health Specialist can work in federal, state and local government or they can also obtain work in engineering services and management, scientific and technical consulting services. (Public Health Degrees, n.d.)

Sabrina Rico

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jobs can be found through job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter. there are many jobs available depending on a person county

County of Santa Cruz

County of Contra Costa

Alameda

Sabrina Rico

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pros:

pay

meaningful job

variety in work setting

growing job market

cons:

stressful situations

Variable work conditions

no consistency (according to a netizen on reddit)

pay

Sabrina Rico

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Sabrina Rico

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Day in the life of an environmental health specialist

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REHS/RS credential- verifies your competency in the breadth and depth of environmental health issues, including emergency response and community education

Certified Professional - Food Safety- certifies that you as a food safety professional understand the food microbiology, HACCP principles, and regulatory requirements needed to keep the public safe from foodborne illness

Certified in Comprehensive Food Safety- you have expertise in the manufacturing and processing areas of food safety in a regulatory/oversight, management, or compliance in the private sector.

Master's degree in Public Health (MPH)- allows for more job opportunities and

Sabrina Rico

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National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)- sets standards of excellence for environmental health professionals

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)-

The largest association of occupational and environmental health professionals in the United States

American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES)

A not-for-profit organization that offers professional development and board certification

Air and Waste Management Association

A non-partisan organization that offers networking, professional development, and public education

American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)

A society that offers training, certifications, and resources for environmental health professionals

American Academy of Sanitarians (AAS)

An organization that certifies environmental health practitioners

American Lung Association (ALA)

A voluntary health organization that focuses on environmental health and lung disease

Sabrina Rico

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An Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) is responsible for identifying, investigating, and mitigating environmental health hazards that could affect public health. Their work involves ensuring that communities are protected from environmental risks related to air, water, food, and hazardous materials. An Environmental Health Specialist monitors and enforces environmental health regulations, conducts inspections, and provides guidance to businesses and the public to promote safe environmental practices. The role involves investigating environmental health complaints, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations, and developing programs to prevent environmental health hazards.- Berenice

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They schedule suprise inspections of assigned facilities and settings including; restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, recreational area, and other settings related to safety and health requirements

Monitors air and water quality

Monitors the presence of and identifies hazardous pollutants that may pose a threat to public health environments

Investigates food poisoning and similar community health outbreaks to determine probable origins, causes, and available mitigating or corrective actions

Implements environmental protection regulations and health standards for business, public, and residential areas

(Source: SHRM, 2023)

Added by: Camille Arroyo on 03/12/25

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This is a sample job description for a Environmental Health Specialist position.

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Environmental Health Specialist can work at City and Health departments.

Collage & Universities.

Consulting Firms.

Environmental Protection Agencies.

Government Agencies.

Planning Commissions.

Public Policy Think Thanks.

World health Organizations. (uis.edu)

-Berenice

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Also known as "Environmental Health Officers": 

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Also known as "Environmental Health Officers": 

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Government agencies:

In California, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) operates under the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)

To evaluate health risks from contaminants

Public Health Organizations

Usually collaborate with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) & Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Private Sector and Consulting Firms

They assist by making sure businesses comply with regulations and improving workplace safety

Military and Defense

(Make sure health standard in military facilities are met)

Non-governmental Organizations and Charities

They work with global organizations to work on projects related to clean water, sanitation and pollution control

(Source: Wikipedia, OEHHA, Environmental Health Officer)

Added by: Camille Arroyo on 3/12/25

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Membership can provide access to job boards and networking events tailored to environmental health professionals (California Environmental Health Association, CEHA)

Added by: Camille Arroyo

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An Environmental Health Specialist, specifically focusing on occupational health, is responsible for evaluating and managing environmental hazards that could affect workers' health and safety. These specialists conduct site assessments in workplaces to identify hazards such as exposure to toxic chemicals, physical hazards (noise, temperature extremes), ergonomic issues, and potential biological threats. (SHRM)

-Berenice Rojas-Leon

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Attended local industry events, workshops, and seminars to connect with professionals in field

Added by: Camille Arroyo

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Pros:

Average to above average pay (from $56,000 up to $80,000)

Job opportunities

The demand for this sector is increasing over time as promoting health is never-ending

Job growth is strong in private firms

Versatile workforce (office jobs or active in the field)

People can work in something they are passionate in

Cons:

Long and irregular hours

Physically demanding

Tedious administrative tasks

(Source: Learning Path website)

Added by: Camille Arroyo on 03/12/25

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkMQxgFyOxg

Added by Camille Arroyo 03/12/25

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Environmental Health - How I make a difference

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ULb00VIjls

Added by Camille Arroyo

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Environmental Health Inspector-The Best Science Job in America (produced by SF Department of Health)

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Added by Camille Arroyo

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How to Become an Environmental Health Specialist

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What does an environmental health specialist do? Learn how to become an environmental health specialist and what your job duties could include.

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An environmental health specialist can hold a variety of job titles, such as safety officer, EHS consultant, industrial hygienist, air quality specialist, environmental science and protection technician, and many others. These positions can be found on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, government websites, and city portals. With so many career options available, this field offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement. Here is a link that offers a brief overview of the responsibilities associated with each job position within a career as an environmental health specialist

Darlene Torres

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Is Environmental Health and Safety a good career?

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Environmental health and safety (EHS) can be a rewarding career for those who are passionate about protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of workers and communities. EHS professionals work to minimize the negative impact of human activity on the environment and to prevent accidents a

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Becoming an Environmental Health Professional 

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Becoming an Environmental Health Professional 

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Added by Darlene Torres

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Becoming an Environmental Health Professional

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Here’s an excellent video by Dr. Chowdhury that clearly explains the various career paths available in the environmental health profession.

Added by Darlene Torres

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CEHA is a non-profit association committed to providing for the professional growth and development of the environmental health professional.

Darlene Torres

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Currently updating and more info coming soon!

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Goal: Improve the quality and scope of environmental health programs throughout the state, and promote uniformity in implementing such programs.

You can also find job listings on this site.

Added by Darlene Torres

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Enhance the quality of life in the State of California by encouraging the formulation and implementation of effective local environmental health programs to protect public health, safety and the environment.

The Goals for achieving this mission are:

Improve the quality and scope of environmental health programs throughout the state, and promote uniformity in implementing such programs.

Develop mutual understanding, interpretation, and uniform application of existing California laws and regulations pertaining to local environmental health programs.

Provide a forum for its members to share information and expertise.

Articulate environmental issues and/or concerns that contribute to the public's understanding of environmental problems, needs and programs.

Maintain a dialogue with community organizations, private enterprise, academia and state and local officials.

To manage environmental health programs in a cost effective manner.

Establish and maintain communication and a cooperative working relationship with the County Health Executives Association of California (CHEAC), the California Conference of Local Health Officers (CCLHO), California CUPA Forum, the California Environmental Health Association (CEHA), the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the League of California Cities (LOCC), and other state, federal, and local agencies and organizations.

HISTORY

Environmental health improvements have been dramatic in the 20th Century and have continued to be prominent in government affairs over the last few decades. Since its establishment in September 1956, CCDEH has been active in shaping and implementing some of the nation's most effective and innovative environmental health programs. CCDEH strongly promotes the education and training of professional staff that provide the public with a high degree of public protection and government accountability.

CCDEH has grown in both membership and influence to become the leading advocate for, and authoritative voice in, all local environmental health matters in California.

COMPOSITION AND REPRESENTATION OF THE CONFERENCE

Membership is limited to the California Registered Environmental Health Specialist who is in direct charge of the environmental health program of each local political subdivision, or a retired director in good standing, or associate members, in the state. Guest members may include consultant/organization members. The Conference shall be organized into four regional groups, each consisting of at least five local agencies. The compositions, realignment or dissolution of the regional groups shall originate from the effected region and be confirmed by the Executive Committee. Regional groups may meet independently at the call of the regional chairs. There are currently four Regions.

The conference meets, as a body, annually, at the call of the President and is attended only by members, and such invited guests and resource individuals as the President or Executive Committee deems to be appropriate. Only regular members may vote.

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Enhance the quality of life in the State of California by encouraging the formulation and implementation of effective local environmental health programs to protect public health, safety and the environment.

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Here is a chart from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showing the annual salary for an environmental health specialist in California.

Added by Darlene Torres

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Environmental Health Specialists can find jobs in different types of job application for example:

LinkedIn – Networking and job listings.
Indeed – Broad job search platform.
USAJobs – Federal government positions.
GreenJobs – Environmental and renewable energy jobs.
Glassdoor – Job reviews and salary info
Handshake – Student and entry-level positions.
EnvironmentalCareer – Specialized environmental jobs.

-Berenice Rojas-Leon

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Pros:

Meaningful Work – Directly contributes to improving public health and environmental safety.

Diverse Work Settings – Work in government agencies, private companies, hospitals, or consulting firms.

Job Stability and Demand – Growing focus on environmental health issues (e.g., climate change, pollution) increases job security.

Field and Office Balance – Combines fieldwork (inspections, sampling) and office work (reporting, planning).

Competitive Salary – Median salary is relatively high, with opportunities for growth.

Specialization Opportunities – Can focus on areas like water quality, hazardous waste, food safety, or occupational health.

Cons:

Exposure to Hazards – May work in potentially dangerous environments

Stress and Pressure – High responsibility in preventing public health crises; may deal with political and public pressure.

Irregular Hours – Might need to respond to emergencies or conduct inspections outside regular hours.

Complex Regulations – Navigating and enforcing complex local, state, and federal environmental laws can be challenging.

Public Resistance – May face pushback from businesses or the public when enforcing regulations.

Physical Demands – Fieldwork can involve hiking, climbing, or exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Potential for Burnout – Emotional toll of dealing with public health emergencies and environmental damage.

(Source: According to Quora)

-Berenice Rojas-Leon

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The NAEP is an interdisciplinary organization focused on maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the environmental field. Members, from both the public and private sectors, work to make informed decisions that carefully balance environmental, social, and economic impacts. Being part of NAEP gives them the tools and connections to grow and thrive as a professional.

-Berenice Rojas-Leon