Environmental Health Officer

Become an Environmental Health Officer

Environmental Health Officers help protect the community’s health by monitoring and meeting public health standards.

They make sure everyone follows safety rules around air quality, food preparation, water, chemicals and other hazards.

Main tasks

Investigate public health incidents, such as food poisoning outbreaks
Inspect and assess health standards of businesses, public property and private premises
Assist with activities to keep the community safe, such as disease investigations, and pollution incidents
Educate people about their responsibilities and legal obligations

Key skills

Thinking critically and analytically
Paying close attention to detail
Understanding and applying rules and regulations
Communicating clearly

Career development

You could move into higher roles such as Sustainability Officer, Climate Change Project Officer, Senior Environmental Health Officer, and Environmental Health Manager.

Great for people who enjoy

Thinking 10 steps ahead
Considering small details and the big picture
Getting into the nitty gritty of legislation and regulations
Explaining the rules of a complicated board game
Saving lives (no biggie)
Protecting the environment
Being understanding but firm
Pursuing the truth

Pathways to work

So, you know you want to be an Environmental Health Officer. How do you get started? And what’s next?

Qualifications and experience

Environmental Health Officers must have a tertiary degree in environmental health, environmental science, public health or a related field. In South Australia, Flinders University offers 2 accredited programs.

Study options:

Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health Practice
Master of Environmental Health

Industry information

Only local authorised officers can conduct inspections and collect evidence for public health investigations. To be appointed a local authorised officer, you must have an approved qualification.

Environmental Health Australia is a professional association that offers accreditation, career development, networking, resources and events.