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

In the era of sustainability, the role of Environmental Health and Safety Specialists has never been more pivotal.
As we strive for a greener, safer planet, the demand for dedicated professionals who can monitor, develop, and enforce robust environmental and safety standards escalates.
But what does it really mean to be an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the perfect job description,
- Or simply curious about the field of environmental health and safety,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Environmental Health and Safety Specialist job description template, devised for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental Health and Safety Specialists are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing environmental health and safety programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
They work to minimize accidents, health problems, and environmental damage.
Their daily duties and responsibilities include:
- Inspecting and evaluating workplace environments, equipment, and practices for compliance with corporate and governmental health and safety standards and regulations
- Designing and implementing workplace processes and procedures that help protect workers from potentially hazardous work conditions
- Investigating accidents and incidents to identify their causes and to determine how they might be prevented in the future
- Conducting training sessions on health and safety practices and regulations
- Developing and implementing health and safety plans and programs, including emergency response plans
- Collecting and reporting on environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological and mineralogical information, soil or water samples, or plant or wildlife samples
- Advising organizations on the impact of their activities on the environment and suggesting ways to minimize harm or violations
- Applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws to ensure safe and healthy working environments
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a dedicated Environmental Health and Safety Specialist to join our team.
The specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing environmental, health, and safety (EHS) programs to ensure a safe, healthy, and accident-free work environment.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of environmental health and safety regulations and a keen interest in promoting a culture of safety within the organization.
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
- Inspect equipment and machinery to observe possible unsafe conditions
- 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 experience as safety officer
- In depth knowledge of legislation (e.g. OSHA/EPA) and procedures
- Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices
- Experience in writing reports and policies for health and safety
- Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics
- Proficient in MS Office; Working knowledge of safety management information systems is a plus
- Outstanding organizational skills
- Diligent with great attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and explain health and safety topics
- BSc/BA in safety management, engineering or relevant field is preferred
- 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 Specialist
- Work Environment: This role requires both office work and field work. Travel to various company sites may be required.
- 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: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Specialist Do?
Environmental Health and Safety Specialists, also known as EHS specialists, work primarily in companies across industries to ensure that working conditions are safe and healthy.
They can also work as consultants providing specialized advice to businesses.
Their primary role involves identifying potential hazards and harmful situations in the workplace and finding ways to mitigate such risks.
This can be achieved by carrying out regular inspections and audits, creating safety policies, and implementing safety training programs.
In addition to this, EHS specialists are often responsible for ensuring that their company is compliant with local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations.
They do this by keeping up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations, conducting regular compliance audits, and communicating any changes to the relevant departments.
They may also be called upon to investigate incidents or accidents in the workplace, determining the cause, and recommending improvements to prevent future occurrences.
Furthermore, EHS specialists play a key role in educating and training staff on the importance of health and safety practices, including the correct use of personal protective equipment and emergency procedures.
Finally, they are responsible for maintaining records and reports related to health and safety issues, as these documents can be vital in demonstrating compliance with regulations and in identifying areas for improvement.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Qualifications and Skills
An Environmental Health and Safety Specialist should possess a range of technical and soft skills, along with industry-specific knowledge, which include:
- Knowledge about environmental health and safety laws and regulations, staying up-to-date with any changes to ensure company compliance.
- Experience in performing hazard assessments and risk evaluations, identifying potential safety hazards and implementing necessary safety measures.
- Ability to effectively communicate health and safety protocols to employees, contractors, and management, helping to cultivate a culture of safety within the organization.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret data from safety inspections and incident reports, identifying trends and potential areas for improvement.
- Experience in conducting employee training programs on a wide range of health and safety topics, such as use of safety equipment, proper handling of hazardous materials, and emergency response procedures.
- Organizational skills to manage a variety of tasks, such as coordinating safety audits, maintaining safety records, and developing safety policies and procedures.
- Problem-solving skills to quickly respond to and manage situations involving workplace accidents and environmental emergencies.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Experience Requirements
Entry-level Environmental Health and Safety Specialists typically need a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in environmental health, safety management, or a related field.
This experience can also be acquired in roles such as Health and Safety Coordinator, Environmental Technician, or Safety Inspector.
Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are usually considered as intermediate level specialists.
They often have advanced technical knowledge and skills in environmental health and safety regulations, risk assessment and management, and emergency response planning.
During this period, professionals may also have gained experience working in specific industries such as manufacturing, construction, or healthcare.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are viewed as senior-level Environmental Health and Safety Specialists.
At this stage, they may have significant experience managing safety programs, conducting safety audits, and implementing safety training programs.
They may also have leadership experience and could be prepared for a managerial or supervisory role within an organization’s Environmental Health and Safety department.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Education and Training Requirements
Environmental Health and Safety Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, safety management, or a related scientific or technical field such as chemistry or engineering.
These programs provide them with a foundation in environmental health sciences, safety management principles, hazardous material handling, and environmental regulations.
In some cases, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in occupational health, industrial hygiene, or a related field, especially for positions that involve complex risk management tasks.
A background in biology, chemistry, or physics can also be beneficial, as these subjects are often involved in understanding and addressing environmental health and safety issues.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialists may need to complete additional specialized training, particularly if they work with specific types of hazards such as radiation, toxic substances, or hazardous waste.
Many employers require these specialists to obtain certification, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation.
It’s also important for these specialists to engage in ongoing education to keep up with changes in regulations and technology.
This continuing education could include workshops, seminars, or courses offered by professional associations or regulatory agencies.
Having a master’s degree and/or certification may also indicate a candidate’s leadership potential and dedication to ongoing learning.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Salary Expectations
An Environmental Health and Safety Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $70,240 (USD) per year.
However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, specific industry, and geographical location.
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist need?
Environmental Health and Safety Specialists should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and evaluate environmental health risks.
They should possess knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations and the ability to interpret them.
Good communication skills are crucial for explaining health and safety procedures to employees and management.
They should also have excellent report-writing skills and be adept at using software for data analysis and presentations.
Do Environmental Health and Safety Specialists need a degree?
Yes, most Environmental Health and Safety Specialists hold a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, environmental science, safety management, or a related field.
Some positions may require a master’s degree or additional certifications such as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
What should you look for in an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist resume?
In addition to educational qualifications, look for relevant work experience, particularly in designing, implementing, and managing safety programs.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state health and safety regulations is also critical.
Additional certifications in health and safety can be a significant asset.
Familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools, as well as any experience in conducting training sessions, can also be beneficial.
What qualities make a good Environmental Health and Safety Specialist?
A good Environmental Health and Safety Specialist is detail-oriented and has strong analytical skills to identify and evaluate potential hazards.
They should be proactive and have the ability to influence others to follow safety procedures.
Excellent communication skills are crucial for explaining complex regulations and procedures to a diverse range of people.
They should also have a strong commitment to promoting a safe and healthy work environment.
What is the career progression for an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist?
An Environmental Health and Safety Specialist can advance to become a senior specialist or manager with experience and additional certifications.
They can also move into consulting roles or specialize in a specific area such as industrial hygiene or hazardous waste management.
Some specialists may choose to further their education with a master’s degree or PhD, which can lead to roles in research or academia.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve offered an insider’s look into the critical role of an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist.
And you know what?
It’s not just about conducting inspections and audits.
It’s about safeguarding our environment and ensuring a healthy and safe workspace, one inspection at a time.
With our ready-to-use Environmental Health and Safety Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re geared up to make your next move.
But why limit yourself?
Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to absolute perfection.
Remember:
Every audit, every inspection, is a step towards a healthier and safer future.
Let’s create that future. Together.
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