Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental health specialists identify and try to prevent or eliminate environmental health hazards such as chemicals, fumes, dust, human and industrial wastes, radioactive materials and germs. Some environmental health specialists are scientists who conduct research; others work as inspectors for public agencies and industry. Our drinking water, restaurants and swimming pools are inspected for cleanliness and safety by a health department’s Environmental Health Specialist.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Professional Associations Environmental health specialists work in a variety of settings, including public health departments, government agencies, universities and private industry.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended: Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
A licensed Environmental Health Specialist in a public health department must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or a related field (including 15 hours of biology or physical science), complete a supervised training and internship period of one to two years on the job at a health department and pass a license examination given by the North Carolina State Board of Sanitarian Examiners. Environmental health specialists involved in research, administration, environmental protection and resource management earn at least a master’s degree, and some earn doctoral degrees in areas such as water resources engineering, air and industrial hygiene, environmental management and related fields. To enter a graduate program, you should have a bachelor’s degree or substantial course work in science and engineering.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
Public health Environmental Health Specialist: $24,000 Research/industry/environmental protection specialist: $30,000 - $40,000