Environmental health officer

Environmental health officer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

They are responsible for investigating incidents that affect health such as pollution, accidents at work, noisy neighbours, toxic contamination, pest infestations, food poisoning and illegal dumping of waste. Their remit includes advisory work, education and law enforcement. A large amount of time is spent away from the office visiting properties such as farms, shops, food outlets, private/public accommodation, commercial premises, manufacturers and industrial organisations. In addition to inspections, responsibilities include:

• compiling reports
• providing training courses
• gathering scientific evidence
• investigating complaints
• managing junior staff
• serving legal notices
• providing evidence in court
• liaising with other organisations.

Promotional opportunities are reasonable via a structured local authority career path.

Typical employers of environmental health officers

• local authorities
• consultancies
• the Armed Forces
• commercial organisations
• supermarkets
• food retailers.

Relevant paid or voluntary work experience, possibly gained as a technician, can be beneficial. Jobs are advertised in local, regional and national newspapers, local authority jobs lists, and relevant publications including Opportunities, New Scientist, and Environmental Health News.

Qualifications and training required

Qualification necessitates obtaining a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health approved degree, and completing an assessment of professional development. A postgraduate environmental health qualification is required for graduates from other scientific degree disciplines. Continual professional development is an important part of the job to improve technical and legal knowledge.

Key skills for environmental health officers

Employers seek graduates who are assertive, flexible and persuasive, with excellent communication, team-working and interpersonal skills.