Introduction
When seeking a career path, many young people look for opportunities that can make a difference in the world. Environmental health and safety jobs offer exactly that type of work. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the people who hold these type of jobs are generally referred to by the broad term "environmental scientists and specialists." Within that category there are many established niches and special areas of interest that are just beginning to emerge. Because the field is so broad, those who wish to eventually work in environmental health and safety jobs typically pursue an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences. Classroom, laboratory and on-site work prepares individuals to discover and assess environmental dangers and research possible solutions.
History
In the early years of industrial development, there were no such things as environmental health and safety jobs. People who worked in the growing industries were exposed to contaminants and safety problems on the job and in the surrounding areas near the factories. By the 19th and 20th centuries, concerns were raised on a national level. Health problems became more abundant and could be traced to industrial influence. Most profoundly, polluted streams, clear-cut forests and damaged agricultural land sent a very visible signal that something was amiss. During the 1970s and '80s, an entire generation of young people agitated for a change in policies and practices. This movement blossomed into fields of study and regulations that would later provide modern-day professionals with environmental health and safety jobs.
Features
Environmental health and safety jobs are generally well paid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary in 2010 was over $60,000. At the date of its latest projections, the Bureau forecast an increase of up to 19% in the number of jobs available in the broad field of environmental science and specialties.
If you land one of the numerous environmental health and safety jobs available throughout the nation, your tasks could include laboratory work, data collection and analysis, clerical and administrative tasks, and a wide range of jobs that focus on remediation. While a significant portion of environmental health and safety jobs require technical skills, people with excellent communication and presentation skills find a role in the field, too. They may work in academia, develop training programs or handle public relations relating to environmental issues.
Employers that offer environmental health and safety jobs range from governmental agencies to private corporations. If you are seeking a job in this field, you may wish to look at the prospects in chemistry, waste and water management, pollution management and remediation or food safety. These type of jobs have good prospects in both the public and private sectors.
Ongoing education is critical the being successful with environmental health and safety jobs. Beyond a college degree, graduate school or specialized training and certification generally translates into qualification for the higher paying jobs.
Tips and comments
An increasing number of environmental health and safety jobs are located in international locations. If you have always enjoyed travel and think you would like to live in another culture for a period of time, consider applying to firms that have a presence in locations around the world.
