Explore a Career in Environmental Health: Steps to Get Started

As an environmental health specialist, or EHS, no two days look exactly the same. That’s partly what makes the work so meaningful. 

For instance, depending on where you work, you might start your morning inspecting a restaurant for food safety and spend the afternoon testing well water or responding to environmental complaints like illegal dumping or chemical exposure. 

Your job is to make sure public health codes are followed and communities are protected. Sometimes that means working with city or state agencies to solve complex environmental problems and ensure businesses comply with regulations.

Environmental health specialists can work for a wide range of organizations, including local and state public health departments, private companies, hospitals, consulting firms, and more. When conducting inspections, environmental health specialists may be indoors or outdoors, at locations like restaurants, waste facilities, and water systems. 

In emergencies, an EHS may be the person assessing risks, helping coordinate response efforts, and sharing information to keep people safe.

To become an environmental health specialist, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, or a related science field like biology. 

If you’re exploring environmental health degree programs, look for ones accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC). These programs meet national standards and are recognized by employers and professional groups, such as the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), which requires an EHAC-accredited degree for certain certifications. (We’ll dive into more about certification in the next section.) 

You can search the EHAC website to find undergraduate and graduate degrees. Coursework typically covers how the environment impacts human health, with subjects such as toxicology, epidemiology, microbiology, and risk assessment. 

Some programs also offer training in tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), used to monitor and analyze environmental data.

Choosing an EHAC-accredited program can strengthen your career prospects. It not only prepares you for the work you’ll do, but it may also open doors to internships and jobs in government, healthcare, and the private sector.

Becoming certified as an environmental health specialist shows employers that you’ve met national standards for training and professional competency. One of the most widely recognized credentials is the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), offered by the NEHA. It signals to employers that you're qualified to assess risks, enforce regulations, and protect public health.

In many states, certification isn’t just preferred—it’s required. For example, California and New Jersey mandate state-specific REHS credentials for those working in environmental health roles ^1,2. 

Other states, like Georgia, also require registration through their state health association or health licensing board. Requirements vary, so it’s important to check with your state or local health agency before seeking employment³.

To sit for the REHS exam through NEHA, you’ll need a bachelor’s or graduate degree, plus at least 30 semester hours in basic sciences like biology, chemistry, and microbiology⁴. 

Once you’re certified, you’ll renew your credential every two years by completing continuing education and paying a renewal fee. Certification ensures you stay up to date on health codes, environmental risks, and public safety standards as the field evolves.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for helping people and the planet into a career, here’s how to become an environmental health specialist:

To succeed as an environmental health specialist, you’ll need a mix of technical know-how and people skills. You’ll be interpreting lab data, evaluating environments, and making decisions based on public health codes and state or national regulations. Strong attention to detail and solid analytical thinking are key.

Communication is just as important. You’ll often need to explain environmental health risks and requirements to business owners or community members who may not have a science background. Being clear, calm, and respectful goes a long way in this case.

You should also be ready for fieldwork. You might be out inspecting a restaurant kitchen, surveying manufacturing plants, or checking conditions at a waste facility. Some days may involve walking long distances or working in tough weather. As a result, being flexible and prepared is part of the job.

Finally, integrity matters. The decisions you make can impact people’s health, so being honest, ethical, and thoughtful is essential.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists, including those who focus on health, earned a median annual wage of $80,060 as of May 2024. The top 10% in this field earned more than $134,830⁷.

Job growth is also steady, with employment expected to increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations⁸. This growing demand is likely fueled by increasing concerns around climate change, environmental hazards, and public health risks. Employers want professionals who can assess these challenges and come up with real-world solutions.

Environmental health specialists work across a variety of sectors, including local and state governments, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. While cities often have more job openings, rural areas also need specialists to address local environmental challenges.

As an environmental health specialist, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to advance your career.

For example, you might step into roles like environmental health director, industrial hygienist, or policy analyst. Many specialists choose to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) to qualify for leadership positions or explore areas like global health or emergency response. 

If you’re drawn to research or teaching, a PhD in environmental health sciences can open that door. Your skills may also transfer well to fields like epidemiology or occupational health, giving you the flexibility to shape a career that fits your goals.

To grow in your career as an EHS professional, it helps to stay connected and informed. Check out the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) for certifications and training, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for free courses, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for job listings. 

You can also build your network by joining local public health groups or professional communities on LinkedIn.