Job Description
Environmental Health Officers are responsible for investigating incidents that affect health such as food poisoning, pest infestations, toxic contamination, pollution, accidents at work. They often work with local authorities, supermarkets and consultancies and will visit properties such as shops, food outlets, farms, manufacturers to investigate complaints, gather samples for testing, compile reports and serve legal notices if necessary.
Entry Requirements
You can get into this job through:
Apprenticeship
You can do an environmental health practitioner degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Click here to search for an apprenticeship.
University
You can study for a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
Work
You may be able to start as an environmental health technician and study for a part-time environmental health degree while you're working.
You'll also need to produce a portfolio of work for assessment and pass professional exams including an interview to qualify.
More information
You could join the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health for professional development opportunities and more details about training and working in environmental health.
You're likely to need a full, clean driving licence for this job.
Career Path and Progression
With experience you could apply for Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner status.
In local government you could progress to senior, principal or chief environmental health officer. You could also become a university lecturer.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Health and safety adviser
- Health promotion specialist
- Meat hygiene inspector
- Pest control technician
Required Skills
- A keen interest in environmental issues
- Good problem solving abilities
- Good interpersonal skills
- Physical and mental stamina
- Attention to detail
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
Salary Range
£25,000 to £60,000
