聚光灯
职业健康与安全专家,注册工业卫生师 (CIH);化学卫生官员;环境健康与安全官员;环境、健康与安全官员(EHS 官员);工业卫生师;工业卫生师顾问;安全顾问;安全管理顾问;安全官员;安全专家
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.
典型职责
- 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
额外责任
- 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
软技能
- 适应性
- 分析性的
- 协作
- 解决冲突
- 批判性思维
- 果断性
- 演绎和归纳推理
- 注重细节
- 独立的
- 诚信
- Interpersonal Skills
- 领导人
- 监测
- 谈判技巧
- 有组织的
- 耐心
- 感知力
- 说服力
- Proactive mindset
- 解决问题
- 风险评估
- 以安全为导向
- Stress management
- 强大的沟通能力
- 时间管理
技术技能
- 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
- Research and development organizations
- 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:
- 空气质量管理
- Biostatistics
- Chemistry of Hazardous Materials
- Environmental Health
- 流行病学
- 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
- Consider post-graduation outcomes like job placement rates and the strength of the alumni network
- Weigh the cost of tuition against available financial aid and scholarship opportunities
- 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
- 参与相关的在线论坛和讨论组
- Keep track of all your work and academic accomplishments for your resume and college applications
- Upload your resume on job portals like Indeed, SimplyHired, Monster, USAJobs, ZipRecruiter, Velvet Jobs, and Glassdoor, and sign up for alerts
- 查看招聘广告,寻找可在简历中列出的关键字,如
- Accident Prevention
- 应急响应
- Environmental Compliance
- Environmental Management Systems
- EPA Regulations
- Hazardous Materials Management
- Health and Safety Programs
- Incident Investigation
- 工业卫生
- OSHA Standards
- Policy Development
- Risk Assessment
- 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
- 联系学校的就业中心,获得简历帮助,进行模拟面试,了解即将举行的招聘会
- Do your research on potential employers, such as:
- 环境保护局
- 职业安全与健康管理局
- Department of Defense
- 美国国立卫生研究院
- 美国疾病控制和预防中心
- 能源部
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- 美国农业部
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- United States Geological Survey
- 在面试中,表现出对行业趋势的敏锐认识
- 面试时穿着专业
- 请以前的教授和主管写推荐信,或要求他们同意(提前)将他们列为推荐人。
- 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
- Stay proactive about professional development and taking continuing education courses
- 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
- 空气质量管理
- Biological Safety
- Chemical Safety
- Construction Safety
- Emergency Response Planning
- Environmental Compliance
- Ergonomics
- Fire Safety and Prevention
- 危险废物管理
- 工业卫生
- 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
网站
- 工程和技术认证委员会
- 美国环境工程师和科学家学会
- 美国化学学会
- 美国政府工业卫生学家会议
- 美国工业卫生协会
- 美国国家标准协会
- 美国安全专业人员协会
- 能源工程师协会
- 全球 EHS 认证委员会
- 专业人体工程学认证委员会
- 安全专业人员认证委员会
- 美国疾病控制和预防中心
- 工业工程理事会
- Department of Defense
- 能源部
- ENERGY STAR
- 环境保护局
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Health Physics Society
- 危险材料管理研究所
- 工程技术学院
- International Society for Sustainability Professionals
- 国际自动化学会
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- 全国环境管理协会
- National Association of Safety Professionals
- 国家公共卫生检查员委员会
- 全国工程和测量师考试委员会
- 全国环境卫生协会
- 国家防火协会
- 国家工程技术认证研究所
- 美国国立卫生研究院
- 国家娱乐和公园协会
- 国家环境专业人员登记处
- 国家安全委员会
- 职业安全与健康管理局
- 法规事务专业协会
- Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
- 美国绿色建筑委员会
- 美国农业部
- United States Geological Survey
- 世界安全组织
书籍
- 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.
- 建设和建筑督察
- 环境合规督察
- 环境工程师
- Environmental Engineering Technologist and Technician
- 环境科学家和专家
- 消防检查员
- 健康和安全工程师
- 工业工程师
- 采矿和地质工程师
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician
- 安全经理