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

In the era of escalating environmental concerns, the demand for Environmental Health and Safety Engineers has never been greater.

As sustainability issues advance, so does the call for adept professionals who can conceive, develop, and secure our environmental health and safety mechanisms.

But let’s delve a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the complexities of environmental health and safety engineering,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we’re rolling out a customizable Environmental Health and Safety Engineer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Environmental Health and Safety Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Health and Safety Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing health and safety programs to reduce work-related injuries and ensure a safe working environment.

They use their technical knowledge and skills to identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and propose corrective actions.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing health and safety programs in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Conducting safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and non-compliance issues
• Creating reports on health and safety incidents, violations, and recommended improvements
• Developing training materials and conducting training sessions on health and safety practices
• Working with various departments to promote a culture of safety within the organization
• Investigating incidents and accidents to identify root causes and propose corrective actions
• Monitoring waste management procedures to ensure compliance with environmental regulations
• Staying updated on new regulations and standards related to health, safety, and environmental compliance
• Advising on a range of specialist areas, e.g. fire regulations, hazardous substances, noise, safeguarding machinery, etc.

 

Environmental Health and Safety Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Environmental Health and Safety Engineer to join our team.

The primary role of this position is to ensure that our work environment meets all necessary safety and sanitary standards.

This includes conducting risk assessments, advising on safety compliance and preventative measures, and creating safety policies.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of environmental health and safety regulations, excellent problem-solving skills, and experience in managing health and safety issues in a professional setting.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute health and safety plans in the workplace according to legal guidelines
• Prepare and enforce policies to establish a culture of health and safety
• Evaluate practices, procedures, and facilities to assess risk and adherence to the law
• Conduct training and presentations for health and safety matters and accident prevention
• Monitor compliance to policies and laws by inspecting employees and operations
• Investigate accidents or incidents to discover causes and handle worker’s compensation claims
• Recommend solutions to issues, improvement opportunities, or new prevention measures
• Report on health and safety awareness, issues, and statistics

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer
• Understanding of legal health and safety guidelines
• Ability in producing reports and developing relevant policies
• Good knowledge of data analysis and risk assessment
• Excellent organizational and motivational skills
• Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities
• BSc/BA in safety management, engineering, 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 Engineer
• Work Environment: Office setting with potential field work. Some travel may be required for site inspections or industry conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Environmental Health and Safety Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 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 Engineer Do?

Environmental Health and Safety Engineers primarily work for companies across diverse industries, where they are responsible for ensuring that working conditions and procedures comply with safety regulations and environmental guidelines.

They perform a variety of tasks including designing and implementing safety protocols, conducting risk assessments, and developing occupational health and safety systems.

This includes identifying hazards, conducting safety audits, and providing training to employees to promote a culture of safety.

In terms of environmental responsibilities, they focus on minimizing the impact of the company’s operations on the environment.

This includes developing and implementing environmental management systems, monitoring environmental performance, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Environmental Health and Safety Engineers often collaborate with other professionals such as industrial hygienists, toxicologists, and public health officials.

They also work closely with management teams to integrate safety and environmental considerations into business strategies and processes.

They may also be involved in responding to incidents such as workplace accidents or environmental emergencies, conducting investigations, and implementing corrective actions.

Their ultimate goal is to create a safe and healthy work environment and ensure that the company’s operations are environmentally sustainable.

 

Environmental Health and Safety Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Environmental Health and Safety Engineers should have a combination of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills to successfully perform their role, including:

• Knowledge of environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, along with the ability to interpret and apply these standards to real-world situations.
• Analytical skills to identify and assess potential hazards in the workplace and develop strategies to control these risks.
• Problem-solving skills to design systems and processes that help to reduce environmental impact and increase safety.
• Communication skills to explain health and safety protocols to employees and management, and to relay complex information about potential hazards and safety procedures in a clear and understandable manner.
• Technical skills to understand industrial processes, conduct safety audits, and implement effective safety measures.
• Attention to detail to ensure compliance with safety regulations and that all safety measures are functioning effectively.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with different teams and departments, fostering a culture of safety within the organization.
• Project management skills to oversee the implementation of safety systems and procedures, and to manage ongoing safety initiatives.

 

Environmental Health and Safety Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Environmental Health and Safety Engineers are typically expected to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships, cooperative education programs, or part-time roles in the environmental health and safety field.

These professionals may also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Safety Technician, Environmental Technician, or Health and Safety Coordinator.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their expertise and knowledge in entry-level Environmental Health and Safety Engineer roles.

They are generally skilled in assessing environmental health and safety risks, developing safety procedures, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a background in managing environmental health and safety programs, conducting safety audits, and leading safety training sessions.

These experienced professionals may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position, overseeing a team of engineers and technicians, and ensuring the safe operations of an organization.

In addition to these, some employers may require a professional certification, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), which can be obtained through a combination of education, experience, and examination.

 

Environmental Health and Safety Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Health and Safety Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, industrial engineering, occupational health and safety or a related field.

The curriculum in these programs usually includes courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics.

More specialized coursework may include toxicology, industrial hygiene, risk assessment, and safety control.

Some positions, particularly in management or advanced roles, may require a master’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field.

Graduate programs allow students to specialize in a specific aspect of environmental health and safety, such as hazardous waste management or air quality control.

Aside from academic qualifications, Environmental Health and Safety Engineers should also be well-versed with the federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations.

Familiarity with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is often required.

Professional certifications, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), while not always mandatory, can greatly enhance job prospects.

These certifications are indicators of a candidate’s proficiency, commitment, and up-to-date knowledge in the field.

Continuous learning and development is key to staying updated with new regulations and technologies in this ever-evolving field.

Therefore, many Environmental Health and Safety Engineers pursue ongoing training or continuing education opportunities throughout their careers.

 

Environmental Health and Safety Engineer Salary Expectations

An Environmental Health and Safety Engineer earns an average salary of $86,720 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, specific industry, level of education, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Environmental Health and Safety Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer need?

Environmental Health and Safety Engineers should possess excellent analytical skills to identify potential hazards and determine the effectiveness of safety programs.

They should have a good understanding of applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations and standards.

Communication skills are also necessary to effectively convey safety protocols and procedures to other employees.

 

Do Environmental Health and Safety Engineers need a degree?

Yes, most Environmental Health and Safety Engineers hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, safety engineering, or a related field.

In some cases, a master’s degree may be preferred, especially for more complex roles.

In addition, many employers may require professional certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer’s resume?

In addition to educational qualifications, look for experience in implementing and managing safety programs, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Knowledge of various safety and environmental regulations is also important.

Certifications related to safety management can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Health and Safety Engineer?

A good Environmental Health and Safety Engineer should be detail-oriented and able to maintain a high level of focus to identify potential hazards.

They should also have excellent problem-solving skills to devise effective solutions for reducing risks.

Strong communication skills are important for conveying safety protocols and procedures to other employees.

 

What are the daily duties of an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer?

On a typical day, an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer may conduct safety audits and inspections, identify potential hazards, develop safety plans, and provide training on safety protocols.

They may also investigate accidents or incidents to identify their causes and suggest improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Additionally, they are responsible for ensuring that the company is in compliance with all relevant environmental and safety regulations.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unravelled the essential elements of what it truly means to be an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not solely about conducting safety audits and environmental assessments.

It’s about shaping a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future, one safety protocol at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Environmental Health and Safety Engineer job description template and authentic examples, you’re all set to take the leap.

But why halt your journey here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating meticulous listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every safety measure and environmental protocol contributes to a larger goal.

Let’s build a safer and greener future. Together.

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