Environmental health specialists conduct research or perform investigations for the purpose of identifying, diminishing, and/or eliminating sources of pollutants and hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. They may collect, synthesize, study, report, and take action
based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Some environmental health specialists work as inspectors for state and local health departments, wildlife parks, hospitals, private industry, and non-profit organizations.
$71,100
Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists.
Environmental health specialists begin with an associate or bachelor’s degree. 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.
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut.
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
1900 M Street NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
202-296-1099
www.asph.org
Connecticut Environment Health Association
www.cteha.org
National Environmental Health Association
720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 91000-N
Denver, CO 80246
303-756-9090
www.neha.org