Environmental
Health Specialist

Environmental health specialists protect and preserve the well-being of the environment and human health. Physical environmental problems in Texas include water quality, solid and hazardous water treatment, air pollution, occupational health, noise control, ecology, housing hygiene, and food safety. Environmental health specialists may collect and analyze samples; maintain monitoring equipment; inspect food establishments and swimming pools for cleanliness and safety; and enforce local, state, and federal laws. They inspect recreational areas, nursing homes, schools, food service facilities, child-care facilities, and foster homes, as well as other community and public locations.

Work Environment
Environmental health specialists work in a variety of settings, including state, county, and local health departments; wildlife parks; hospitals; private businesses; and private non-profit organizations.

Job Outlook
With the continuing emphasis on improving the health of our world and environment, the need for environmental health specialists will continue to grow now and through the next century.

Length of Training/
Requirements
Many environmental health specialists receive an associate degree/certificate or a bachelor's degree from an accredited community college program or university.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $34,000 - $65,000.

Educational Programs
Associates/Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral Degrees
Bee County/Coastal Bend College
El Paso Community College District
Lamar University
Midland College
Midwestern State University
Sam Houston State University
San Antonio College
Southwest Texas State University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Sul Ross State University
Tarleton State University
Texas A&M University - College Station
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Texas Southern University
Texas State Technical College - Harlingen
University of Houston - Clear Lake
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at San Antonio
University of Texas Houston Health Science Center
West Texas A&M University

Professional Associations
National Environmental Health Association
720 South Colorado Blvd.
South Tower, Ste. 970
Denver, CO 80222-1925
303/756-9090