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Environmental Health Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Environmental Health Specialist I performs basic to intermediate inspections and investigations as required by laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Colorado and Adams County Health ...

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Environmental Health Specialist information

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$35.5K

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How much do environmental health specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental health specialist in the United States is $62,691.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental health specialist?

Environmental Health Specialists are professionals responsible for identifying, evaluating, and controlling environmental factors that can affect human health. They inspect and ensure compliance with public health regulations in areas such as food safety, water quality, waste management, and air pollution. Their work often involves conducting site inspections, investigating complaints, and educating the public on health and safety best practices. Environmental Health Specialists play a vital role in preventing disease and promoting healthy environments in communities.

What are some common challenges environmental health specialists face when conducting field inspections?

Environmental Health Specialists often encounter challenges such as gaining access to private properties, communicating health risks effectively to diverse audiences, and staying up-to-date with evolving regulations. Additionally, they may need to navigate complex situations where public health priorities conflict with business interests or community practices. Adaptability and strong interpersonal skills are essential to address these challenges while ensuring public safety and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental health specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Health Specialist, you need a strong background in environmental science, public health, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and sometimes state certification or licensure. Familiarity with tools such as GIS mapping software, environmental sampling equipment, and data analysis systems is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in conducting inspections, educating the public, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental hazards, protecting public health and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Is becoming an environmental health specialist worth it?

Environmental health specialists play a vital role in protecting public health by inspecting environments, enforcing regulations, and managing health hazards. The profession typically requires a bachelor's degree in environmental health or a related field, along with certifications such as the Certified Environmental Health Specialist (CEHS). It offers stable employment opportunities, a focus on community well-being, and the chance to work in diverse settings like government agencies, consulting firms, or healthcare facilities.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Health Specialist jobs?

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What states have the most Environmental Health Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Environmental Health Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Environmental Health Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,691 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Environmental Health Specialist

Forsyth County (NC)

Winston Salem, NC

$52K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

General Statement of Duties The Forsyth County Department of Public Health is looking for two dynamic and motivated individuals to join our team as an Environmental Health Specialist on the FLI - Food, Lodging and Institutions team. The positions offer flexibility and may be filled at different levels depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. We are open to hiring for the following levels: Environmental Health Specialist II Environmental Health Specialist Environmental Health Specialist Intern Regardless of the level, the selected candidate will be part of a collaborative and innovative team.

The Environmental Health Specialists perform professional environmental health work in the promotion of public health through education, surveillance, consultation, inspection, and enforcement of state, local, and federal environmental health laws and regulations. Distinguishing Features The ideal candidates will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Working knowledge of food sanitation, food-borne diseases, communicable diseases, protection of water supplies, solid waste management, and institutional sanitation. Working knowledge of inspection methods and investigation techniques as applied in environmental health.

Working knowledge of environmental health laws, rules, and procedures as well as a complete understanding of the concepts of public health law. Ability to analyze and comprehend a wide variety of technical and administrative regulations, records, and reports. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

Ability to develop and express ideas and opinions concisely, comprehensively, and clearly in oral and written form. Ability to independently plan and schedule work activities. Ability to apply environmental health knowledge and techniques in the investigation of environmental health problems.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and deal tactfully with a wide range of public contacts while enforcing public health laws and regulations. Ability to communicate with the public effectively and to speak to large groups of people in an educational setting. Minimum Education and Experience Environmental Health Specialist II Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health from a program accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Environmental Health Curricula of the National Environmental Health Association; or Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life or health sciences; or a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health.

Five (5) years' experience in the field of Environmental Health, as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist and/or Intern Registered as an Environmental Health Specialist (Sanitarian) by the NC Board of Sanitarian Examiners. Holds three (3) or more authorizations preferably in Food, Lodging, and Institutions, Child Care and Tattoos in the state of NC. Registered as an Environmental Health Specialist (Sanitarian) by the NC State Board of Sanitarian Examiners.

Must have a valid driver's license. Environmental Health Specialist II salaries start at $54,828.80, annually. Environmental Health Specialist Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health from a program accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Environmental Health Curricula of the National Environmental Health Association; or Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the physical, biological, natural, life or health sciences; or a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, and one year experience in the field of environmental health

Registered as an Environmental Health Specialist (Sanitarian) by the NC State Board of Sanitarian Examiners. Must have a valid NC driver's license. Environmental Health Specialist salaries start at $52,208.00, annually

Environmental Health Specialist Intern Graduation from a four-year college with a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of course work in the physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences; or a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. Eligible to be registered as an Environmental Health Specialist (Sanitarian) Intern by the NC State Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners. A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement.

Environmental Health Specialist Interns must obtain credentials by the NC state Board of Environmental Health Specialists Sanitarian Examiners within three years of employment as an intern. Must have a valid NC driver's license. Intern salaries start at $45,115.20, annually

Registered Environmental Health Specialists with experience in food, lodging, and institutions preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS This position has been identified to interact with children and must comply with NC G.S. 153A-94.2(b) "requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI." These checks must be conducted in accordance with G.S

143B-1209.26, the statute which authorizes the SBI to provide a fingerprint-based state and national criminal record check to cities and counties. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Conducting sanitation evaluations of foodservice, institutional and lodging facilities, child day care facilities, institutions and group homes at prescribed frequencies. Monitoring food handling practices, personal hygiene, on-site liquid and solid waste collection and disposal, water sources, and compliance with established sanitation standards

A numerical score and a letter grade or classification is assigned to the establishment based on the evaluation. Issuing permits to new/remodeled establishments after an evaluation indicates compliance with applicable rules. Suspending and revoking permits upon identification of an imminent public health hazard.

Conducting epidemiological investigations of food borne disease outbreaks. Investigating and resolving complaints from citizens and; Preparing for legal action and court related cases as needed. This position is also responsible for carrying out the state mandated enforcement of the state law "An Act to Prohibit Smoking in Certain Public Places."