Environmental health managers are responsible for educating, training, and regulating government environmental practices in both public and private sectors. These managers enforce regulations to ensure that the quality of air, food, and water in a given area is maintained and kept free of contamination. It is ideal to have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field, complete internship training with a government-run environmental agency, and pass a registration examination administered by local or national government agencies to become an environmental health manager.
Those wishing to pursue a career as an environmental health manager will typically require additional education and training. Environmental health managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or environmental health to start their careers. Environmental issues, as well as procedures and regulations for protecting the environment and humans and animals from environmental hazards, are covered in most courses.
Some environmental managers will continue their education with advanced degrees in related fields. A master’s degree in environmental law, public health, or environmental health science is required for those who want to work as an environmental health manager. Environmental health managers with a master’s degree or a law degree will have more job options, including opportunities for research and teaching in addition to performing regulatory practices.
Getting an internship while in college or graduate school will help you finish your training after you graduate. Before becoming a manager, most areas require environmental health workers to complete additional internship training. Depending on the country or region where one wishes to work as an environmental health manager, internship training may last one or two years.
Environmental health managers must be certified by local authorities in order to work for national and local government agencies. An examination is usually given to assess a candidate’s understanding of environmental regulations and potential health risks. Managers will be certified to operate in full management capacity once they pass the exam.
Many environmental health managers will work for the organization where they completed their internship. Interns are frequently hired as health managers and may go on to work as teachers or researchers for the agency. Some candidates may apply for jobs directly with national or federal agencies. National agencies may provide job opportunities in a variety of locations, as well as training and certification for those who must relocate.
Managers must stay up to date on the latest environmental safety technology and preventative practices as laws and regulations change. With the changing and restructuring of laws, environmental health managers may be required to meet continuing education requirements. Managers may attend international or national conferences to learn about best practices in other countries and regions.