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EHS Careers
Job openings for individuals with environmental health and safety degrees have increased over the last decade. This is mainly because these professionals help prevent incidents and accidents that can lead to injuries, damage to equipment or property, or harm the environment.
Much like other professionals, many people with training in, or related to, environmental health science are looking for gratifying employment opportunities. The good news is that there are plenty of such jobs. They can range from fieldwork to teaching positions. What’s even better, most of these jobs offer above-average perks, even at the entry-level. However, they do require individuals who are passionate, prepared, and have the physical stamina.
If you’re looking for an employment opportunity in the environmental health and safety field, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Safe T Professionals, we take great pride in being the leading industrial staffing agency for all health and safety positions.
Here are six of our top EHS careers you can pursue.
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1. EHS Assistant
Years of experience: 0-1+ years
Minimum Certifications: OSHA 10
As the name suggests, EHS assistants often work under EHS managers, engineers, and coordinators. Although they tend to serve various roles in the companies they work for, their primary task often includes helping their seniors build a culture of safety in the organizations they work for. Because their position is usually a stepping stone in the industry, EHS assistants often stay in employment for a long time.
Most employers prefer EHS assistants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety. Of course, candidates who have pursued other related disciplines like industrial management or engineering business also stand a chance. A master’s degree in Engineering or Occupation health and safety will give you a competitive edge. Experience or on-the-job is usually not needed for this position.
Working environments for an EHS assistant often vary based on the organization they work for. Some employees in this position mainly spend most of their time in a laboratory or office setting, while others may work in a production facility. Just like their environment, materials that EHS assistants work with also varies greatly. Some use chemicals and laboratory equipment while others deal with typical office supplies such as telephone and computer in an office setting.
2. EHS Technician
Years of experience: 1-3+ years
Minimum Certifications: OSHA 10, OSHA 30, OSHA 510
The main responsibility of EHS technicians is to collect, deliver, prepare, and transfer chemicals and other hazardous or sensitive material around work sites. Some employers may entrust them to conduct inspections to make sure that all equipment and processes adhere to all regulatory and business requirements. Also, an EHS technician trains other workers and ensures that they follow guidelines in all regulatory processes.
EHS technicians usually work full-time. However, hours on the job will sometimes vary from one company to another, especially when there’s a lot of traveling involved. Some organizations hire technicians to work on the clock at all hours while others employ these individuals to work during typical daytime office hours.
Environmental health and safety technicians work in different industries. In many instances, they work to protect people, whether it is taking into consideration the well-being of the company they work for or the general population.
Because these professionals occasionally work in confined spaces and lift heavy objects, they must have the ability to multitask. Also, the technicians must be able to work with various equipment such as end loaders and forklifts. On top of that, they must have excellent communication skills and be able to produce accurate and professional work.
At the minimum, employers require applicants for this position to have a high school diploma. Candidates with a postgraduate, an associate’s, or a bachelor’s degree have better chances for employment. An EHS technician can make up to $19.60 per hour.
3. EHS Coordinator
Years of experience: 2-4+ years
Minimum Certifications: OSHA 30, OSHA 500, or degree in EHS
An environmental health and safety coordinator plays a critical role in creating and enforcing a safety culture at the workplace. Typically, their primary duties include assessing and implementing policies and programs, as well as reviewing reports to monitor performance. Put simply, their sole responsibility is to make sure that the company they are working for complies with all internal and federal health and safety regulations.
An EHS coordinator can work in a business office environment often in a wide range of fields. However, he or she will be required to make occasional travel for on-site work in locations such as external buildings, warehouses, or plant floors. Usually, one must have at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, industrial technology, occupational safety, or any related field to qualify for employment. In most cases, employers have high regard for candidates with several years of relevant experience.
Because their duties include identifying and interpreting safety regulations, ideal candidates are required to have strong attention to detail as well as outstanding analytical skills. The EHS coordinators must also have leadership skills as they will be working closely with engineering, manufacturing, or maintenance teams.
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4. EHS Engineer
Years of experience: 3-5+ years
Minimum Certifications: OSHA 500, OSHA 510, degree in EHS
Environmental Health and Safety Engineers are responsible for creating protocols and implementing systems to protect people and property from injury, sickness, or damage. They often combine the knowledge of health and safety and systems engineering to ensure a safe environment. Sometimes, their responsibilities will include investigating industrial accidents to establish their cause and know how to avoid them in the future.
Usually, an EHS engineer will work in an office setting, with frequent visits to worksites or properties. Their work schedule will typically run from 9 am to 5 pm, Mon to Fri. However, one may be required to work on weekends, at night, or irregular hours in case of emergency or changes in working shifts.
Based on BLS stats, the average annual wages for EHS engineers was $89,130 in 2018. Better still, the job prospect for these professionals is expected to increase by 5% between 2018 and 2028. This will be attributed to the increasing number of complex and new regulations for buildings, products, and processes.
5. EHS Managers
Years of experience: 5-7+ years
Minimum Certifications: minimum of OSHA 500, CHST, or degree in EHS or related field
An EHS manager helps an organization to realize risks as well as prevent them from happening. The manager will often evaluate different departments within a company to ensure that employees are complying with safety standards. Regardless of the organization these managers are working for, their duties will often include:
- Directing accident or incident investigation program
- Developing accident trends and coming up with programs that aim to improve performance
- Developing and executing consistent safety and environmental management programs
- Educating, training, and providing support to operations that aim to improve environmental health and safety
- Ensuring that the organization complies to all safety and environmental regulations
- Improving the quality of environmental and safety management processes based on the policies, standards, regulations, and practices laid out
- Directing a proactive environmental safety program
According to Payscale.com, the average salary for EHS managers is $82,303. However, this varies widely based on the location, experience, or the organization you’re working for. Kinder Morgan Inc, Amazon.com Inc, and Jones Lang LaSalle are among the highest paying organizations across the country.
EHS managers can work in various institutions, from environmental consulting firms to universities to federal research organizations like NOAA and EPA. Almost always, they work full-time. Nevertheless, they may sometimes be hired to work either as a contractor who responds to business needs as they come up or permanent employee.
6. EHS Director
Years of experience: 10+ years
Minimum Certifications: minimum of CSP, ASP, or Master’s in Safety
The primary duties of an EHS director are to ensure that the organization they work for complies with all federal, state, and internal health and safety regulations. Sometimes, the professionals may have to:
- Facilitate safety inspections as required by the government
- Implement measures to help mitigate accidents at place of work
- Analyze possible employee safety risks at the workplace
- Investigate and make recommendations after an incidents or accident at the workplace
- Modify and implement programs help track compliance as well as record-keeping systems
- Develop environmental practices and policies
Most employers require EHS directors to have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health and safety management at a minimum. Some will have a high preference for individuals who boast several years of relevant work experience. Candidates with OSHA certification often have an added edge. Besides education and experience, one must have strong analytical, communication, and managerial skills. The ability to handle stressful emergencies and great interpersonal skills is often a plus.
EHS directors work in different manufacturing and industrial companies, as well as in hospitals and government positions. They may also be hired to work in any organization that employs a significant number of people.
Need help with your health and safety job search?
If you consider any of the above EHS careers gratifying, it’s time to take the next step. Check our latest health and safety jobs today. We partner with reputable organizations looking for people like you.
Fill out our online job application form and leave the rest to us. We will do what we do best and ensure that you get a job you really want. One you are truly proud of.
Give us a call today if you have any questions or concerns. We’ll be sure to connect you with an organization that suits your interests and skills.