How to Be Environmental Health Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 8, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of an Environmental Health Technician is to identify, monitor, and mitigate environmental health hazards that could potentially impact public health. This can include environmental issues such as air and water pollution, chemical exposure, and noise pollution. As a result of their work, the environment is kept safe and healthy for both people and the planet.

By taking proactive measures to reduce the spread of dangerous substances and contaminants, Environmental Health Technicians are able to protect the public from potential harm. In addition, they play an important role in educating individuals on how to properly dispose of hazardous waste, which helps to reduce the amount of waste that is released into the environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require applicants for Environmental Health Technician positions to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Consider enrolling in an associates degree program in environmental health or a related field. Many employers prefer to hire technicians with at least some college education, such as an associates degree in environmental health.
Seek out on-the-job training opportunities. Many employers provide on-the-job training for new Environmental Health Technicians. Inquire with potential employers about their training opportunities.
Earn professional certifications. The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) offers several professional certifications, such as the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS). Earning certifications can make you a more attractive candidate for Environmental Health Technician positions.
Network with other technicians and professionals in the field. Networking with other technicians and professionals can help you find job opportunities and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

The role of an Environmental Health Technician is critical for protecting the health and well-being of communities. Without the diligent work of these technicians, environmental health threats such as air and water pollution, hazardous materials, and food safety issues could go unchecked. To become an ideal and qualified Environmental Health Technician, individuals must possess a combination of technical skills, knowledge of environmental health regulations, and a passion for preserving the environment.

Having a strong background in science and technology, as well as an understanding of environmental law and regulations, is key for success in this field. a commitment to ongoing education is necessary in order to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in environmental health. With the right qualifications and a passion for protecting the environment, individuals can make a real difference in the health and safety of their communities.

You may want to check Environmental Protection Officer, Environmental Lab Technician, and Environmental Protection Planner for alternative.

Job Description

Develop environmental health programs and policies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data to identify potential hazards and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Monitor and inspect facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Investigate complaints of environmental health violations and recommend corrective actions.
Prepare reports of findings and recommendations for use in court proceedings.
Educate the public on environmental health topics and issues.
Maintain records of inspections, tests, and investigations.
Coordinate with other agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Develop and implement environmental health monitoring and surveillance plans.
Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments used to measure environmental variables.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations governing environmental health
Ability to perform complex calculations related to environmental health
Ability to operate a variety of scientific and laboratory equipment
Knowledge of basic chemistry principles
Knowledge of sampling techniques and sample preparation
Ability to interpret data and draw conclusions from laboratory results
Knowledge of hazardous materials management
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other members of the environmental health team
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word and Excel
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to maintain accurate records and documents
Ability to effectively prioritize tasks and manage multiple assignments simultaneously
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

The Environmental Health Technician is an important role in ensuring public health and safety. It requires a combination of technical and scientific skills to identify, evaluate, and control potential hazards in the environment. An important skill for an Environmental Health Technician to have is knowledge of environmental regulations and standards.

This knowledge is necessary to ensure that environmental hazards are identified, evaluated, and addressed according to applicable laws and regulations. the technician must have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with a variety of stakeholders such as government agencies, private industry, and the public. They must also be able to effectively analyze data and write reports about their findings.

Furthermore, the technician must have a thorough understanding of the principles of industrial hygiene, toxicology, and epidemiology in order to identify potential health hazards in the environment. Having these skills is critical for an Environmental Health Technician to effectively identify, evaluate, and control environmental hazards and maintain public health and safety.

Environmental Specialist, Environmental Planner, and Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in environmental health?
What qualifications do you possess in environmental health?
How have you used your skills to improve environmental health in the past?
What challenges have you faced in your environmental health work?
How do you stay up to date on changes in environmental health regulations and standards?
Describe a time when you had to adjust your approach to environmental health due to changing circumstances.
What methods do you use to maintain accurate records and data?
How do you prioritize competing tasks and deadlines?
How do you handle difficult conversations with stakeholders?
What steps do you take to ensure compliance with regulations and standards?

Common Tools in Industry

Formaldehyde Meter. Device used to measure and monitor levels of formaldehyde in the air. (eg: TSI Q-Trak Indoor Air Monitor)
Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer. Instrument used to analyze and identify trace components in samples. (eg: Agilent 7890A GC/MS System)
Dust Sampling Equipment. Instrument used to collect and measure the concentration of dust particles in the air. (eg: BGI DustTrak DRX Dust Monitor)
Noise Level Meter. Device used to measure and monitor sound levels in the environment. (eg: Extech 407730 Sound Level Meter)
Lead Test Kit. Kit used to test for the presence of lead in water, soil, or other materials. (eg: 3M LeadCheck Swabs)
Radiation Detector. Device used to detect and measure radiation levels in the environment. (eg: GQ GMC-300E Plus Digital Geiger Counter)
Air Quality Monitor. Instrument used to measure and monitor air quality levels in the environment. (eg: AirBeam Air Quality Monitor)
Water Quality Test Kit. Kit used to test for a variety of contaminants in water. (eg: Hach pH Test Strips)
Thermal Imaging Camera. Camera used to detect and measure infrared radiation emitted from an object or environment. (eg: Fluke Ti125 Industrial Thermal Imaging Camera)
pH Meter. Device used to measure and monitor the pH level of a liquid or solution. (eg: Hach pH Pocket Pro2 Meter)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Industrial Hygiene Association
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
American Academy of Environmental Engineers
American Society of Safety Professionals
Air & Waste Management Association
International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions
National Environmental Health Association
Environmental Health Sciences Research Association
National Association of Environmental Professionals

We also have Environmental Consultant Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Manager, and Environmental Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hazardous Materials Management. The management of hazardous materials, including storage, disposal, transportation, and communication of safety information.
Environmental Compliance. The adherence to applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Pollution Prevention. The reduction of waste and emissions in order to protect the environment.
Risk Assessment. The evaluation of potential risks to the environment and human health posed by a particular activity.
Environmental Impact Assessment. An evaluation of the potential impacts an activity could have on the environment.
Site Remediation. The cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous materials.
Air Quality Monitoring. The measurement of air quality to ensure it is within safety limits.
Waste Management. The management and disposal of waste products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Environmental Health Technician?

An Environmental Health Technician is a professional who works to protect public health by identifying, assessing and managing environmental health hazards. They inspect food establishments, provide water and air quality monitoring, conduct environmental sampling, and enforce regulations related to health and safety.

What qualifications are necessary to become an Environmental Health Technician?

To become an Environmental Health Technician, individuals typically need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, many employers require a bachelor's degree in environmental health or a related field and/or certification in a relevant specialty area.

What types of tasks do Environmental Health Technicians perform?

Environmental Health Technicians typically perform tasks such as inspecting food establishments, conducting environmental sampling, monitoring air and water quality, and enforcing health and safety regulations. They may also provide technical assistance and training to the public on health and safety issues.

What type of work environment do Environmental Health Technicians work in?

Environmental Health Technicians typically work in offices, laboratories and outdoors in various settings. Depending on the job, they may be exposed to hazardous materials, extreme temperatures, inclement weather and other environmental conditions.