스포트라이트
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH); Chemical Hygiene Officers; Environmental Health and Safety Officers; Environmental, Health, and Safety Officer (EHS Officer); Industrial Hygienists; Industrial Hygienist Consultants; Safety Consultant; Safety Management Consultant; Safety Officer; Safety Specialist
Are you passionate about protecting the environment? Do you want to help keep others safe? If you answered yes to either (or both) of these questions, a career as an Environmental Health and Safety Officer might be right for you!
As an EHS Officer, you'll be the hero behind the scenes safeguarding the environment and health of people in your community—and beyond. Imagine a job where every day brings a new challenge that requires you to combine science and problem-solving skills to assess environmental risks, implement safety protocols to protect workers, and conduct inspections to ensure organizational compliance with regulations.
EHS Officers can also be tagged to conduct safety training, investigate incidents, and work on impactful sustainability projects that contribute to a safer, healthier world. So if you’re ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, read on to learn more about this rapidly growing career field!
- Lead efforts in energy conservation and efficiency
- Improve sustainable energy solutions
- Contribute to environmental protection
- Make a positive impact on pollution
Working Schedule
EHS Officers work full-time, occasionally requiring overtime during project deadlines. Travel within the area may be necessary for site evaluations and consultations.
일반적인 의무
- Evaluate workplace environments and practices for safety compliance
- Assess workplace risks; identify hazards affecting employees such as fire hazards
- Investigate health complaints and accidents to determine causes and prevent future occurrences
- Analyze incident data for mishap, injury, and hazard trends
- Audit hazardous waste sites and participate in investigations
- Collect samples to analyze for contamination, hazards, toxins, etc.
- Develop/oversee programs for medical monitoring, emergency response, and employee rights
- Manage special programs like noise and ventilation surveys
- Manage inventories of hazardous materials and waste
- Apply for permits applicable to health and safety (i.e., environmental permits, fire safety permits, operating permits, etc.)
- Inspect emergency generators, conduct fire drills, and test elevator systems
- Suggest strategies to safeguard workers against hazardous work practices, processes, or materials
- Suspend activities that endanger worker health or safety
- Work with engineers or physicians to address hazardous conditions
- Prepare hazardous waste samples for transport or storage with appropriate treatment and labeling
- Cooperate with external inspections from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or similar agencies to find areas for improvement
- Follow up with inspection findings to address issues or violations
추가 책임
- Communicate applicable information to employees, managers, and contractors
- Apply codes, regulations, laws, and policies related to the health and safety of workers and to ensuring safe facilities and workplace environments
- Ensure proper maintenance of equipment, machinery, and facilities, including fire alarms and sprinklers, HVAC systems, and parking areas
- Provide safety training; demonstrate safety equipment use and wear of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Offer new employee safety orientation training
- Prepare environmental and safety reports based on assessments and audits
- Participate in sustainability initiatives and meetings
- Advocate for investment in energy-efficient technologies
소프트 스킬
- 적응성
- 분석
- 합작
- 충돌 해결
- 비판적 사고
- 결단 력
- 연역적 및 귀납적 추론
- 디테일 지향
- 독립의
- 무결성
- Interpersonal Skills
- 지도력
- 모니터링
- 협상 기술
- 조직
- 끈기
- 지각력
- 설득력
- Proactive mindset
- 문제 해결
- 위험 평가
- 안전 지향
- Stress management
- 강력한 의사 소통 기술
- 시간 관리
기술 능력
- Ability to interpret and apply environmental and safety laws
- Basic understanding of mechanical systems for safety evaluations
- Experience with data analysis, statistical tools, environmental auditing, reporting, compliance and risk management software, project management software, and Geographic Information Systems
- Proficiency in incident investigation and root cause analysis tools
- Familiarity with industrial hygiene equipment and monitoring techniques
- Knowledge of environmental monitoring, sampling techniques, waste management, and hazardous material handling regulations
- Knowledge of workplace safety and health assessment techniques
- Skills in emergency response planning and management
- Skills in developing safety training and education programs
- Construction and infrastructure companies
- Corporate health and safety departments
- Environmental health consulting firms
- Government regulatory agencies
- Healthcare facilities and hospitals
- Industrial and manufacturing plants
- Public and private educational institutions
- 연구 및 개발 조직
- Waste management and recycling companies
- Workplace safety and compliance agencies
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) workers may work extended hours when addressing significant safety incidents or urgent health crises. The job may also require travel to diverse locations, sometimes for prolonged durations, which can affect their personal lives.
EHS workers sometimes face industry resistance or public concerns, requiring them to have strong communication skills. As advocates for workplace safety and environmental stewardship, they play a crucial role in promoting and implementing effective health and safety practices and policies. In addition, they must continuously update their knowledge to stay updated on changing regulations and new technologies.
Current trends in this field include the integration of smart technology and a shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The incorporation of AI and machine learning is increasingly crucial for optimizing energy use and enhancing safety protocols.
Other tech trends include the use of electronic reporting systems, working with wearables like smartwatches, and the increase of robotics with cameras and sensors to work around hazardous environments.
These advancements are transforming EHS officers’ roles, because now they may have to manage these technologies while they advocate for sustainable, safe workplace practices.
EHS Officers often show an interest in STEM subjects from an early age. They might have enjoyed activities like crafting models or participating in science fairs.
This early curiosity about how things work, coupled with a concern for environmental issues and the safety of others, may have played a role in guiding them toward a career in EHS.
- EHS Officers typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or science, occupational health, safety engineering, or a related field. Many workers in this field go on to complete a master’s degree
- Students can gain experience by applying for internships related to the environment they want to work in (for example, office environments or industrial work sites)
- Relevant coursework includes classes in:
- Air Quality Management
- Biostatistics
- Chemistry of Hazardous Materials
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Ergonomics
- Fire Safety Management
- Industrial Safety
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Risk Management and Hazard Control
- Toxicology
- Waste Management and Disposal
- Water Quality and Treatment
- Workplace Safety Compliance
- Specialization options include Hazardous Material Management, Safety Technology, and Environmental Health
- Optional industry certifications include:
- American Society of Safety Professionals - Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician Certification
- Board for Global EHS Credentialing - Certified Professional Product Steward
- Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics - Certified Professional Ergonomist
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals - Associate Safety Professional
- Institute of Hazardous Materials Management - Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner
- National Association of Safety Professionals - Certified Safety Director
- National Board of Public Health Examiners - Certified in Public Health
- National Environmental Health Association - Certified Foodborne Outbreak Investigator
- National Fire Protection Association - Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional
- National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies - Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
- National Recreation and Park Association - Certified Playground Safety Inspector
- National Registry of Environmental Professionals - Certified Refrigeration Compliance Manager
- Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society - Regulatory Affairs Certification
- Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration - Certified Mine Safety Professional
- World Safety Organization - WSO - Certified Safety Manager (Construction)
- Seek accredited programs in environmental science, occupational health, or safety management
- Prioritize programs with internship and cooperative learning opportunities
- Assess faculty qualifications and achievements. Evaluate the facilities for modern, well-equipped labs and research spaces
- Investigate partnerships with industry and research institutes for enriched learning experiences
- 취업률 및 동문 네트워크의 강도와 같은 졸업 후 결과를 고려하세요.
- 사용 가능한 재정 지원 및 장학금 기회와 등록금 비용을 비교합니다.
- Decide on the program format (on-campus, online, hybrid) based on personal scheduling needs and learning preferences
- Ask a seasoned Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer to do an informational interview so you can ask questions!
- Watch videos and read online articles related to the career field to familiarize yourself with current environmental health and safety trends
- Popular EHS blogs include:
- ASSP News
- EHS Daily Advisor
- EHS Today
- Environment + Energy Leader
- EPA Perspectives
- GreenBiz
- OSHA Quicktakes
- Safety+Health
- Perillon EHS Management Blog
- Check out job descriptions posted on employment portals, to determine the most current job qualifications and areas of specialization that might interest you
- In high school, load up on biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, math (especially algebra and statistics), health education, geography/Earth sciences, English, computer science, and government or civics
- Engage in extracurricular activities to gain teamwork, leadership, and project management experience
- Participate in relevant online forums and discussion groups
- 이력서 및 대학 지원서를 위해 모든 업무와 학업 성취도를 추적하세요.
- Upload your resume on job portals like Indeed, SimplyHired, Monster, USAJobs, ZipRecruiter, Velvet Jobs, and Glassdoor, and sign up for alerts
- 구인 광고를 검토하고 이력서에 기재할 키워드를 찾아보세요:
- Accident Prevention
- Emergency Response
- Environmental Compliance
- Environmental Management Systems
- EPA Regulations
- Hazardous Materials Management
- Health and Safety Programs
- Incident Investigation
- Industrial Hygiene
- OSHA Standards
- Policy Development
- 위험 평가
- Safety Audits
- Safety Regulations
- Safety Training
- Workplace Safety
- Review Environmental Health and Safety Officer resume templates and sample interview questions
- Ask your school to connect you with recruiters. Take advantage of chances to intern with EHS-related organizations
- Reach out to your school’s career center to get resume help, do mock interviews, and learn about upcoming job fairs
- Do your research on potential employers, such as:
- 환경 보호국
- 산업안전보건청
- Department of Defense
- 국립 보건원
- 질병 통제 예방 센터
- 에너지부
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- United States Geological Survey
- 인터뷰 중에 업계 동향에 대한 예리한 인식을 보여줍니다.
- 면접을 위한 전문성 있는 복장
- 이전 교수 및 감독자에게 추천서를 작성하도록 요청하거나 참고인으로 등재하기 위해 사전에 동의를 구하십시오.
- Speak with your supervisor or a manager about advancement. Get advice and talk through options.
- Show your willingness to learn, follow procedures, and assume increased responsibilities
- Set the bar high and ensure compliance with regulations to help protect workers, equipment, facilities, work sites, and surrounding areas
- 전문성 개발 및 평생 교육 과정 수강에 적극적으로 참여하세요.
- Knock out additional certifications when qualified to do so, like the Board of Certified Safety Professionals - Associate Safety Professional
- If beneficial, consider doing a master’s degree
- Try to gain diverse experience across different workplace environments. After working in different areas, consider specializing in a particular area such as:
- Accident Investigation
- Air Quality Management
- Biological Safety
- Chemical Safety
- Construction Safety
- Emergency Response Planning
- Environmental Compliance
- Ergonomics
- Fire Safety and Prevention
- 유해 폐기물 관리
- Industrial Hygiene
- Noise Control and Hearing Conservation
- Occupational Health
- Radiation Safety
- Regulatory Compliance and Auditing
- Risk Assessment and Management
- Safety Engineering
- Sustainability and Environmental Protection
- Water Quality Management
- Workplace Safety Training
- Be active in professional organizations such as OSHA (see our list of Recommended Resources for more information)
- Keep current on changes related to employer policies and local, state, or federal regulations
웹사이트
- 엔지니어링 및 기술 인증위원회
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- 미국 화학 학회
- 미국 정부 산업 위생사 회의
- 미국 산업 위생 협회
- 미국 국립 표준 협회
- 미국 안전 전문가 협회
- 에너지 엔지니어 협회
- 글로벌 EHS 자격 증명 위원회
- 전문 인체 공학 인증위원회
- 공인 안전 전문가 위원회
- 질병 통제 예방 센터
- 산업 공학 협의회
- Department of Defense
- 에너지부
- ENERGY STAR
- 환경 보호국
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Health Physics Society
- 유해 물질 관리 연구소
- Institution of Engineering and Technology
- International Society for Sustainability Professionals
- 국제 자동화 학회
- 에너지 및 환경 디자인 리더십(LEED)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Association for Environmental Management
- National Association of Safety Professionals
- 공중 보건 심사관의 국가 위원회
- 엔지니어링 및 측량을위한 전국 심사관 협의회
- 국가 환경 건강 협회
- 전국 소방 협회
- 국립 엔지니어링 기술 인증 연구소
- 국립 보건원
- 국립 레크리에이션 및 공원 협회
- 국가 환경 전문가 등록
- National Safety Council
- 산업안전보건청
- 규제 업무 전문가 협회
- Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
- 미국 그린 빌딩 협의회
- United States Department of Agriculture
- United States Geological Survey
- 세계안전기구
책
- Safety Risk Management: Preventing Injuries, Illnesses, and Environmental Damage, by Fred Fanning
- The Beginner’s Guide to the Environmental, Health and Safety Profession, by Chance Roberts
- Understanding Environmental - Health and Safety: Volume 1, by Alexandru Valentin Sirbu
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officers are crucial to ensuring the safety of employers and worksites. But the job comes with a lot of responsibility, plus occasionally a fair amount of pushback!
There’s a lot of pressure to keep up with and enforce regulatory changes while dealing with stressful situations like workplace accidents. If you’re interested in exploring some related occupations, check out the suggestions below.
- 건설 및 건축 검사관
- Environmental Compliance Inspector
- 환경 엔지니어
- Environmental Engineering Technologist and Technician
- 환경 과학자 및 전문가
- 화재 검사관
- 보건 및 안전 엔지니어
- 산업 엔지니어
- 광업 및 지질 공학자
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician
- Security Manager