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Environmental specialists protect and preserve the well-being of the environment and human health. The broad field of contemporary environmental problems include drinking and surface water quality, solid and hazardous waste storage and disposal, indoor and outdoor air quality, radiological health, occupational health, systems ecology, and housing hygiene.
Environmental specialists at the technician level:
- collect and analyze hazardous samples
- record information
- prepare reports
- maintain monitoring equipment
- inspect facilities such as restaurants and swimming pools for cleanliness and safety
- provide supportive services to environmental engineers and scientific professionals
Environmental specialists at the professional level act as consultants, investigators and evaluators for environmental health and safety issues.
Areas of specialization:
- air and industrial hygiene
- radiological health
- environmental chemistry and biology
- environmental management
- environmental technicians
- environmental marketing
- environmental health
- environmental landscaping
- wastewater
- surface and drinking water resources
- food protection
How long will it take?
A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required for most environmental specialist positions. Certification/licensure is also available from the Board of Professional Engineers or other programs as determined by job requirements.
AC can get you ready to transfer with a 70-hour Associate's degree.
How much will you earn?
The number of environmental specialist jobs is growing slightly. Expect to make an average salary of $50,000 per year.
Where can you work?
Environmental specialists typically work in government environmental regulatory and public health agencies; industry; utilities; environmental engineering consulting firms; and universities.
AC can help you get there!
Safety & Environmental Technology
