Environmental Health - What job and career opportunities are there?

Environmental health departments within Scottish local authorities have a range of job titles, reflecting the diverse areas of responsibility they cover. The most prominent and foundational role is the Environmental Health Officer (EHO). 

Here's a breakdown of common job titles you might find:

Core Environmental Health Roles:

• Environmental Health Officer (EHO): This is the primary professional role, responsible for a wide range of duties including food safety, health and safety at work, environmental protection (noise, air quality, contaminated land), public health, housing standards, and licensing. EHOs are often qualified with a BSc in Environmental Health and the REHIS (Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland) Diploma in Environmental Health.
• Graduate Trainee Environmental Health Officer: For individuals who have completed their Environmental Health degree and are working towards their REHIS Diploma and professional competency.
• Chartered Environmental Health Officer (Ch.EHO MREHIS/FREHIS): EHOs who have demonstrated ongoing professional development and met the requirements for Chartered status with REHIS.
• Senior Environmental Health Officer: Experienced EHOs who may take on more complex cases, manage specific functional areas, or supervise teams.
• Divisional Environmental Services Officer / Team Manager (Environmental Health/Regulatory Services): Management roles overseeing specific teams or sections within the environmental health department, such as Food Safety, Environmental Protection, or Public Health & Housing.

Specialist and Support Roles:

• Pest Control Officer: Specializes in the management and control of pests.
• Technical Officer (e.g., HMO, Contaminated Land and Air Quality): Provides technical support and expertise in specific areas, often assisting EHOs. Examples include Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) officers, or those focused on contaminated land and air quality monitoring.
• Sampling Officer: Involved in collecting samples for laboratory testing (e.g., food, water, air).
• Environmental Health Technician: Provides technical and administrative support to EHOs.
• Environmental Enforcement Officer: Focuses on enforcing environmental legislation, which can overlap with aspects of environmental health (e.g., litter, fly-tipping).
• Food Safety Officer (FSO): While EHOs cover food safety, some local authorities may have dedicated FSOs who focus specifically on food hygiene and standards.
• Admin Staff/Support Staff: Essential for the smooth running of the department, handling enquiries, record-keeping, and administrative tasks.

It's worth noting that the specific structure and job titles can vary slightly between different Scottish local authorities, depending on their size, organizational structure, and the specific needs of their communities. However, the core function of protecting public health through environmental interventions remains consistent, with the Environmental Health Officer being the cornerstone of this service.