How to Become an Environmental Health Officer

Environmental health officer (EHO) has become a popular job nowadays, making it a very attractive career option. In this blog, you will get to know everything about how to become an Environmental Health Officer.

What is an Environmental Health Officer?

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) take the responsibilities of protecting public health. They measure risk, regulate and enforce regulations related to health.

However, they try to decrease health problems and safety issues. EHOs work for both the built and natural environment. They keep our natural environment safe. These officers protect water, air, soil, food etc. For this purpose, they test and control factors that can be damaging to our health.

Moreover, they work on disease prevention. And create a healthy environment. Undoubtedly, determinants of the environment can play a vital role in the population’s health and well-being.

So, EHOs are vital for improving the community’s health. Surely, they reduce the chances of disease. EHOs promote good human health and environmental practices. In this blog, you will get to know, how to become an environmental health officer.

How to become an Environmental Health Officer: Education and Qualifications

Firstly, you need to study environmental science, public health or environmental management at your university. And these areas of study must be undertaken within a science background. Getting a bachelor of science in Environmental Health may take four years of study.

Secondly, to get into these courses, you usually need to get your A levels in a science or technological subject. However, education and knowledge in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are generally required.

Thirdly, some workers have a vocational education and training qualification. Check with institutions for exact entry requirements. Some institutions accept vocational courses for entry too.

Aspiring graduates in England, Wales or Northern Ireland need a degree approved by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). Students who want to be EHOs can also do some online courses like, Environmental Management System course. It will definitely give you confidence and help you in your career path.

Finally, you will be eligible to join a chartered environmental health practitioner programme. In case you do not have an accredited degree, you will need to do a postgraduate course before getting into the chartered programme and develop in your career.

Summery

To sum it up, you can choose the following routes to become an Environmental Health Officer:

Degree in environmental science, approved by the Institute of Environmental Health
Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) professional exams
Work-based training

Environmental Management Systems Course

Learn to take the responsibility to create sustainable environments and contribute to positive workplaces, communities, and future.

Learn more

Environmental Management Systems Course

Learn to take the responsibility to create sustainable environments and contribute to positive workplaces, communities, and future.

Learn more

Key Skills to become an Environmental Health Officer

EHOs need some personal skills as well as educational qualifications. They are pointed below:

Strong and clear written and verbal skills
Good communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Able to analyse and solve problems
Able to be firm and strong when making decisions
Good negotiation skills
Resourceful
Tactful and courteous
Close attention to detail
Able to work as a part of a team and independently

Particularly, jobs are posted on local authority websites. You may find jobs circular in environmental health industry-focused local newspapers too.

However, larger and commercial companies may advertise on national newspaper websites as well as their own websites. Also, A few specialist recruitment agencies also advertise job vacancies.

Is Environmental Health Officer a good career?

Becoming an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) can be the best decision for you. But you have to be brave, confident and have the will to do something for society.

Environmental Health Officer receives a standard salary. Salary ranges can vary depending on many factors. It includes education, academics certifications, additional soft skills, experience in your profession. Indeed, there is a good career path for employees with local authorities.

In short, there are opportunities for promotion and excellence. Enrol in Environmental Management System course for better advancement opportunities in your career.

What does an Environmental Health Officer do?

Although EHOs are responsible for checking businesses and properties. They must take action when any event breaches public health and safety issues.