An environmental health technician identifies, inspects, and investigates environmental problems that may affect public health. They work with various organizations to apply regulations, collect samples, and keep accurate records. They may also inspect licensed public facilities and respond to public complaints. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically required.
An environmental health technician is a public health professional who works with scientists, engineers, architects, business people, government agencies, and the public to identify, inspect, and investigate environmental problems that may affect the health of people in the area. She can also apply regulations and rules regarding environmental health and work with others to correct the problem. In most cases, an environmental health technician may be employed by a national, regional or local government agency or a public or private laboratory. While duties can vary significantly depending on the specific needs of the employer, some general duties include collecting samples of animal waste, soil or water, documenting data, reviewing complaints and keeping accurate records.
Depending on the employer and specific area of work, an environmental health technician generally has a wide range of duties. For example, she can inspect and investigate whether an abundance of rodents, mosquitoes, cockroaches, snakes, feral cats or other animals are present in an area by collecting waste samples. It can then analyze the information gathered through the samples and on-site observations and submit its recommendations for remediation based on its findings. Sometimes she can discover the infestation after a routine inspection of an area. Other times, she may be following up on a complaint from a member of the public.
An environmental health technician may also be responsible for inspecting, assessing and correcting health problems arising from violations of licensed public facilities. For example, most licensed establishments are required to follow environmental health regulations and rules established by regional or national government agencies. These establishments include swimming pools, motels, grocery stores, pet stores and RV parks. For example, she may be responsible for inspecting the pool pumps and ensuring the proper chemicals have been added to the pool system for the public’s health.
Other duties of an environmental health worker may include responding to public complaints about sewage, solid waste, and hazardous materials. She may monitor waste cleanup or work at collection events to ensure materials are handled properly. She can also work to inform the public about various environmental health programs.
In most cases, to become an environmental health technician, a person must typically earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental health, or a related field. Occasionally, entry-level jobs may be available to people who only have a high school diploma or equivalent. Generally, the technician may be asked to understand the importance of controlling pests, breeding habits and life cycles of certain insects, rodents and animals. She may also be required to understand and be able to apply public health laws, pesticides and other practices.
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