Environmental Health Officer

Environmental health officers look after the health of the community and maintain public health standards to ensure we have safe food, clean water and a clean environment.  They are employed to undertake regular assessments of businesses that handle fresh food and to minimise community health risks

What you would do:

• regularly inspect premises where food is prepared to check that the procedures and hygiene standards comply with relevant regulations

• take food samples for microbiological and chemical testing

• educate food operators about correct food-handling procedures

• conduct ongoing, regular inspections

• monitor tattooists and hairdressers to prevent the spread of blood-transmitted diseases through ear-piercing and tattooing equipment

• ensure that overcrowding doesn't occur in nightclubs, taverns and other public buildings and that there is adequate ventilation and clear access to fire escapes

• investigate and regulate various sources of noise pollution

• test drinking water and pollution levels in lakes, rivers and pools to ensure that harmful bacteria is not present

• carry out control measures to prevent virus outbreaks and raise public awareness of these risk

You need to be:

• a good communicator

• a good negotiator 

• tactful and courteous

• a good decision maker

• resourceful

• a good problem-solver

• a team player

• able to work independently

You will require:

• a degree in environmental health
• a drivers licence

Improve your chances by:

• taking maths and science subjects

What you will earn:

Salaries for environmental health officers start at around $38,000. With more experience, salaries may rise to the $50,000 - $55,000 range, and at a managerial level you may earn up to $90,000.

Long term possibilities:

With experience and further training it is possible to become an Environmental Health Manager, Environmental Scientist and Microbiologist.

Watch a video about a Senior Environmental Health Officer. 

 

 

Government Skills Australia acknowledges the Department of Education, Science & Training, www.jobguide.dest.gov.au/ and www.myfuture.edu.au/ as sources of information within this fact sheet.