Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of increased environmental awareness, the role of Environmental Health and Safety Advisors has never been more crucial.
As society strides towards sustainability, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, enhance, and ensure our environmental health and safety practices grows stronger.
So, what’s really expected from an Environmental Health and Safety Advisor?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply interested in the intricacies of environmental health and safety,
You’re at the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Environmental Health and Safety Advisor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental Health and Safety Advisors work to promote a positive health and safety culture in the workplace.
They are responsible for providing advice on health and safety protocols, ensuring workplace safety compliance, and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Carrying out risk assessments and identifying potential hazards in the workplace
- Developing and implementing health and safety policies
- Providing training and education to employees about health and safety protocols
- Ensuring the company is in compliance with local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations
- Inspecting workplace equipment and environments for safety standards and taking corrective action if necessary
- Investigating accidents or incidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future
- Coordinating emergency procedures, such as fire drills
- Encouraging and promoting environmentally friendly practices within the organization
- Maintaining records of inspections, incident reports, and risk assessments
- Keeping up-to-date with changes in the law and best practice in the field of environmental health and safety
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Environmental Health and Safety Advisor to join our team.
Your role will involve designing, implementing, and maintaining our company’s health, safety, and environmental policies to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
You should have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and guidelines and be able to assess, analyze, and reduce workplace risks.
You will also be responsible for delivering training sessions and organizing regular inspections.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage health, safety, and environmental policies
- Conduct regular inspections and risk assessments
- Prepare reports on health and safety matters for senior management
- Design and deliver health and safety training courses
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Investigate accidents and incidents to find cause and take prevention measures
- Communicate with regulatory bodies and external auditors
- Develop strategies to reduce incidents of illness, injury, and environmental harm
- Respond to employees’ safety concerns and issues
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Health and Safety Advisor
- Deep understanding of legal health and safety guidelines
- Excellent knowledge of data analysis and risk assessment
- Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability
- Exceptional communication and advisory skills
- Diploma or BSc/BA in Safety Management or relevant field
- Valid qualification in occupational health and safety
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Environmental Health and Safety Advisor
- Work Environment: Mainly office setting with occasional visits to different work sites. Some travel may be required for inspections and audits.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health and Safety Manager or Director of Operations.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Do?
Environmental Health and Safety Advisors are essential in industries and companies across fields such as manufacturing, construction, education, and healthcare.
They can also be self-employed as consultants.
They primarily work to ensure the health and safety of employees, the public, and the environment by implementing and maintaining health and safety procedures within a company or organization.
The job of an Environmental Health and Safety Advisor is to conduct regular inspections and audits to check the effectiveness of health and safety protocols, identify potential hazards, and evaluate the risks associated with those hazards.
They are responsible for developing and implementing health and safety training programs to educate employees about safety procedures, practices, and regulations.
They also ensure that the organization complies with local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations.
These professionals may also be involved in the investigation of accidents or incidents to identify their causes and to find ways to prevent them in the future.
When new equipment, procedures, or chemicals are introduced to the workplace, the Environmental Health and Safety Advisor assesses the potential risks and devises necessary precautionary measures.
Therefore, their role is pivotal in ensuring a safe and healthy working environment while mitigating potential risks.
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Qualifications and Skills
An Environmental Health and Safety Advisor must possess a variety of technical skills, soft skills, and relevant knowledge to ensure a safe and healthy work environment:
- Understanding of environmental health and safety regulations, practices, and standards to ensure compliance at all times.
- Ability to inspect and evaluate workplace environments, equipment, and practices for adherence to corporate and governmental health and safety standards.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively convey information about health and safety protocols to employees and management.
- Problem-solving skills to quickly identify potential health and safety risks and develop and implement appropriate solutions.
- Proficient in data analysis and report writing to maintain accurate records of incidents and carry out regular audits.
- Experience in training and education to raise awareness about health and safety issues and promote a safety-conscious culture within the organization.
- Emergency response skills to handle hazardous situations and implement corrective measures swiftly and efficiently.
- Attention to detail to ensure all safety measures are in place and being followed correctly.
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Experience Requirements
Entry-level Environmental Health and Safety Advisors often have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through internships or part-time roles in environmental health and safety departments.
They may also gain practical experience in roles such as Health and Safety Coordinator, Compliance Officer, or Environmental Technician.
This provides a solid foundation in understanding and implementing safety regulations, conducting environmental inspections, and developing health and safety programs.
Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are usually well-versed in risk assessments, hazard identifications, safety audits, and training employees on safety measures.
They may have developed these skills in roles such as Health and Safety Officer or Environmental Health and Safety Specialist.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have leadership experience, having managed safety teams or overseen large-scale safety initiatives.
They may also have expertise in specialized areas, such as industrial hygiene, ergonomics, or hazardous waste management.
This level of experience can prepare individuals for more senior roles, such as Environmental Health and Safety Manager or Director.
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Education and Training Requirements
Environmental Health and Safety Advisors typically have a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health, environmental science, or a related field.
They must have a strong foundation in the science of safety and environmental regulations, and should be familiar with standards set by bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Some positions may require Environmental Health and Safety Advisors to have a master’s degree in environmental health, safety management, or a similar discipline, especially for roles involving policy development or senior management.
In addition, many Environmental Health and Safety Advisors pursue professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
These certifications showcase their expertise in the field and dedication to staying updated with the latest health and safety regulations.
On-the-job training is also often required, where new advisors learn about the specific environmental and safety protocols relevant to their industry.
This may include training in hazardous waste management, emergency response, and industrial hygiene.
While not always required, some employers may prefer candidates with prior work experience in health and safety roles.
This experience gives advisors practical knowledge about implementing safety procedures and protocols in a working environment.
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Salary Expectations
An Environmental Health and Safety Advisor earns an average salary of $72,540 (USD) per year.
This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, their education and certifications, and the region in which they are employed.
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Environmental Health and Safety Advisor need?
An Environmental Health and Safety Advisor should have a strong background in science and technology, with an understanding of regulations and laws pertaining to health and safety.
They must have excellent problem-solving abilities and be able to implement safety procedures effectively.
Strong communication skills are also essential, as they need to provide advice and training to staff and liaise with regulatory bodies.
Do Environmental Health and Safety Advisors need a degree?
Most Environmental Health and Safety Advisors require a Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, safety management, or a related field.
Some roles may prefer applicants with a Master’s degree or specific certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
Practical experience in a similar role is also highly valued.
What should you look for in an Environmental Health and Safety Advisor resume?
Look for a strong educational background in a relevant field, as well as any certifications in health and safety.
Previous experience in a similar role is crucial, so look for details of their responsibilities and achievements in those roles.
It’s also important to look for evidence of their knowledge of health and safety regulations and their ability to develop and implement safety procedures.
What qualities make a good Environmental Health and Safety Advisor?
A good Environmental Health and Safety Advisor is meticulous and pays close attention to details, as they need to identify potential hazards and make sure all safety regulations are met.
They should be proactive in identifying safety issues and be able to take decisive action when necessary.
Strong interpersonal skills are also important, as they need to work closely with staff and management, and be able to communicate complex issues clearly.
What are the daily duties of an Environmental Health and Safety Advisor?
An Environmental Health and Safety Advisor’s duties can vary greatly depending on the industry and specific company.
However, typical duties include conducting safety inspections, reviewing safety policies and procedures, providing training to staff, and liaising with regulatory bodies.
They may also be involved in incident investigations and risk assessments, as well as developing and implementing safety management systems.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the true essence of being an Environmental Health and Safety Advisor.
But guess what?
It’s not just about ensuring compliance with environmental health and safety regulations.
It’s about creating a safer and healthier world, one policy at a time.
With our handy Environmental Health and Safety Advisor job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.
But why stop at the surface?
Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every policy and procedure is a stepping stone towards a safer tomorrow.
Let’s create that future. Together.
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