Environmental Health Officers

What the job involves

• Develops, implements and reviews environmental health management plans and occupational health and safety plans
• Prepares and implements plans and strategies for the safe, economic and suitable disposal of commercial, industrial, medical and household wastes
• Advises on and enforces relevant legislation
• Implements prevention programs and strategies for communicable diseases, food safety, waste water treatment and disposal systems, recreation and domestic water quality and any contaminated or hazardous substances
• Works to minimise air, sea, water and noise pollution to improve health outcomes
• Identifies hazards, assesses and controls risks in the workplace
• Develops, implements and monitors programs minimising workplace and environmental pollution involving chemical and physical hazards
• Promotes ergonomic principles within the workplace such as matching furniture, equipment and work activities to the needs of employees
• Inspects and audits workplaces, processes, plant, chemical and physical hazards for legislative compliance
• Trains employees in personal protective equipment and safe working procedures
• Records and investigates injuries and equipment damage, as well as reporting on safety performance
• Co-ordinates the return of injured workers into the workplace

Key values of workers in Environmental Health Officers

• Working Conditions

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

• Achievement

  Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

• Independence

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

• Recognition

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

• Relationships

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Top skills required for workers in Environmental Health Officers

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Complex Problem Solving

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Social Perceptiveness

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.