Environmental Health and Safety Inspector Job Description [Updated for 2025]
In the era of increasing environmental consciousness, the role of Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors is more crucial than ever.
As our world continues to evolve, the demand for proficient individuals who can monitor, assess, and enhance our environmental health and safety standards grows stronger.
But let’s delve deeper: What does an Environmental Health and Safety Inspector truly do?
Whether you are:
- An aspiring professional trying to understand the core of this role,
- A recruiter outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the nitty-gritty of environmental health and safety inspection,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Environmental Health and Safety Inspector job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Environmental Health and Safety Inspector Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors are responsible for ensuring that organizations comply with environmental health and safety regulations.
Their work helps to minimize accidents, safeguard worker health, and limit the impact of industrial processes on the environment.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Conduct routine and ad hoc inspections to identify potential hazards in the workplace
- Develop, implement, and monitor occupational health and safety programs
- Provide training and education to employees on health and safety practices
- Prepare and present reports on accidents and violations and how to prevent them
- Ensure that the organization is in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations regarding occupational health and safety
- Investigate accidents, injuries, or occupational diseases to determine causes and preventive measures
- Review and analyze accident reports and environmental test results to assess and address health and safety risks
- Recommend changes in policies and procedures to prevent accidents and illnesses
- Order corrective measures to be taken when necessary to eliminate hazards
- Work with engineers and other professionals to ensure that equipment and machinery are safe and meet regulatory standards
Environmental Health and Safety Inspector Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a detail-oriented Environmental Health and Safety Inspector to assess the safety and environmental health hazards in our facilities.
The successful candidate will understand the importance of compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding safety, health, and the environment.
The Environmental Health and Safety Inspector will be responsible for conducting regular inspections, reporting findings, recommending improvements, and ensuring corrective measures.
The ideal candidate should have excellent observational skills, a problem-solving mindset and a deep understanding of the regulations and standards in health and safety.
Responsibilities
- Regularly inspect facilities for safety, health, and environmental risks
- Develop, implement, and manage health and safety protocols
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Prepare and present detailed reports on conducted inspections
- Recommend improvements and corrective actions
- Organize and conduct safety training sessions
- Monitor waste management procedures in compliance with regulations
- Participate in the investigation of accidents and incidents to find cause and propose preventive measures
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as an Environmental Health and Safety Inspector or similar role
- Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices
- Experience with writing policies and procedures for health and safety
- Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics
- Strong attention to detail and observation ability
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and safety management software
- Excellent knowledge of legislations and procedures
- Certification in occupational health and safety is preferred
- BSc/BA in safety management, engineering or relevant field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Environmental Health and Safety Inspector
- Work Environment: Regular on-site inspections. Some office work for reports and meetings.
- 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: $45,000 minimum to $80,000 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 Inspector Do?
Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors work in various industries and their main responsibility is to ensure that the work environment complies with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
They can work for governmental bodies, corporations, or as independent consultants.
They perform routine inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and assess risks.
This could include checking machinery, evaluating work procedures, or inspecting waste disposal methods.
They are responsible for understanding and applying regulations from entities such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and making sure these regulations are adhered to in the workplace.
Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors also work closely with employees and management to develop safety and health programs.
They provide training sessions on safety practices, emergency procedures and the correct use of safety equipment to raise awareness and ensure compliance.
In the event of an accident or violation, they conduct investigations, determine the cause, and suggest corrective actions.
Moreover, they may be involved in the design and implementation of workplace processes or changes to mitigate hazards.
Their work is vital in ensuring a safe and healthy working environment, preventing injuries, illnesses, and environmental damage.
Environmental Health and Safety Inspector Qualifications and Skills
An effective Environmental Health and Safety Inspector should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:
- Knowledge of environmental health and safety laws, regulations, standards, and best practices to ensure compliance and promote a safe work environment.
- Strong observational skills to identify potential hazards and safety violations, and ability to assess risks.
- Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey safety procedures and regulations to employees, contractors and management.
- Ability to prepare detailed reports and documents regarding inspections, incidents, and corrective actions taken.
- Ability to train and educate employees about health and safety practices and procedures.
- Problem-solving skills to devise and implement effective solutions to address identified safety issues and concerns.
- Interpersonal skills to interact with various stakeholders including employees, managers, and regulatory bodies.
- Adept in the use of safety inspection tools and equipment.
- Physically fit and able to handle fieldwork and potentially strenuous activities.
Environmental Health and Safety Inspector Experience Requirements
An entry-level Environmental Health and Safety Inspector will typically have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship, part-time role or assistant position in environmental health and safety departments.
This can also include experience in roles such as Environmental Technician, Health and Safety Officer or other related roles.
Many employers require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, safety management, or a closely related field.
This educational background typically involves studying environmental law, hazardous waste management, industrial hygiene, and other relevant areas, providing a theoretical foundation for the practical work of the role.
Those with more than 3 years of experience are often expected to have developed their skills in conducting safety inspections, developing safety protocols, and mitigating environmental health risks.
They may also have a professional certification, such as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors with more than 5 years of experience often have managerial or supervisory experience, leading teams and managing safety programs.
They may also have specialized knowledge in areas like fire safety, industrial hygiene, environmental law, or hazardous waste management, and be ready to take on senior or leadership roles within an organization.
Environmental Health and Safety Inspector Education and Training Requirements
Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors typically require a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Occupational Safety and Health, or a related scientific or technical field.
These programs provide a foundation in areas such as air quality, water quality, soil quality, waste management, noise control, radiation protection, and industrial hygiene.
A solid understanding of these areas is crucial in identifying, evaluating, and controlling environmental hazards and risks.
Some positions may require a master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or Environmental Science.
This advanced degree provides a deeper understanding of the principles and practices needed to protect people, property, and the environment from harmful effects of contaminants and hazardous materials.
In addition to formal education, Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors may also need certification.
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) are two organizations that offer relevant certification programs.
Certification requires passing an examination and, in some cases, completing a certain number of years in the field.
Furthermore, Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors should have strong analytical skills, be detail-oriented, and have a thorough understanding of environmental laws and regulations.
Ongoing training and professional development are also important to stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.
Environmental Health and Safety Inspector Salary Expectations
An Environmental Health and Safety Inspector earns an average salary of $71,400 (USD) per year.
The salary may vary depending on the individual’s experience, level of education, and the location of the job.
The type and size of the employing organization also significantly influence the salary.
Environmental Health and Safety Inspector Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does an Environmental Health and Safety Inspector need?
An Environmental Health and Safety Inspector usually needs to have a bachelor’s degree in a field like environmental health, safety management, or occupational health.
Depending on their work environment, they may also need specific certifications, such as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
Knowledge of environmental and safety laws and regulations is also crucial.
What skills does an Environmental Health and Safety Inspector need?
Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess and mitigate risks.
They also need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively share their findings and safety recommendations with company staff.
Attention to detail is crucial, as they will need to spot potential hazards and ensure compliance with various environmental and safety regulations.
What are the daily duties of an Environmental Health and Safety Inspector?
An Environmental Health and Safety Inspector’s typical day can vary greatly depending on their specific role.
However, it usually includes tasks like conducting regular inspections to identify potential hazards, reviewing safety procedures, conducting safety training sessions, investigating accidents or incidents, and maintaining records of their findings.
What qualities make a good Environmental Health and Safety Inspector?
A good Environmental Health and Safety Inspector is conscientious and committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of others.
They are thorough in their inspections and possess a deep understanding of environmental and safety regulations.
These professionals also have excellent communication skills, allowing them to effectively teach safety protocols and present their findings to management.
Is it challenging to hire Environmental Health and Safety Inspectors?
Finding a qualified Environmental Health and Safety Inspector can be challenging due to the specialized knowledge and certifications required for the role.
Employers need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain these professionals.
It’s also essential to show a genuine commitment to safety and environmental sustainability, as these values are typically important to individuals in this field.
Conclusion
So, we’ve just given you a comprehensive insight into what it truly means to be an Environmental Health and Safety Inspector.
Intriguing, isn’t it?
It’s not just about routine inspections and enforcing regulations.
It’s about safeguarding our communities and environment, one inspection at a time.
With our detailed Environmental Health and Safety Inspector job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on a new career path.
But why not go further?
Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to shine.
Remember:
Each inspection is a step towards a safer, healthier world.
Let’s create that future. Together.
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