An Environmental Health Specialist works to keep our communities safe and healthy by studying how the environment affects our well-being. They look at things like air and water quality, pollution, and waste management to make sure people are not exposed to harmful substances. Important skills for this job include strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a passion for science. Being good at communicating and working with different groups, like government agencies and the public is also key. This career is rewarding because it allows you to protect people’s health and help create cleaner, safer environments. Environmental Health Specialists often enjoy good salaries and the opportunity to make a real difference in their communities. They get to work on interesting projects and may even travel to different places to conduct research. This position offers a great work-life balance and is a fantastic choice for those who care about the planet and want to improve public health.
Salary Range
- $79,000 – $124,000/ year
Education & Timeframe
- Start Your Journey: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Public Health, Biology, or related field Duration: ~4 years
- Advance Your Expertise: Master’s Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, or a related field Duration: ~2 years
- Certification: Certification in Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) or Certified Environmental Scientist (CES)
- Gain Experience: Internships or work experience in environmental health agencies, public health organizations, or environmental consulting firms Stay current with environmental health regulations, public health best practices, and safety protocols.
Academic Institutions
- Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno:
- College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas:
- University of Nevada, Reno:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas:
Additional Information
- Environmental Health Specialist
- How to Become an Environmental Health Specialist
- FEMA National Disaster & Emergency Management University | NDEMU
- Community Emergency Response Team – CERT (washoesheriff.com)
- Environmental Health Manager | Job Details | governmentjobs.com
Career Choices & Growth
Explore ways to upskill and specialize within this field:
- Other Potential Careers
- Other Career Pathways