Environmental Health and Safety Careers

In the Military, health and safety are of the utmost importance. This is why Environmental Health and Safety officers help provide sound working conditions, coordinate emergency response efforts and monitor hazardous materials such as ammunition and weapons. With a combination of research and disaster management skills, these officers protect servicemembers and civilians from a variety of threats.

Possible Responsibilities

• Ensure safe and healthy working conditions and living quarters
• Organize emergency teams in disaster situations
• Build warning systems and safe shelters
• Develop pollution control plans and policies
• Collect environmental data for research projects and surveys
• Supervise the unloading and loading of weapons and ammunition
• Manage the inspection, repair and maintenance of weapons systems

Helpful Attributes

Useful fields of study include chemistry, environmental science, physics and biology. Helpful attributes include:

• Being calm in stressful situations
• Good communication skills
• Concern about the environment
• Interest in gathering and organizing information

Training Provided

Classroom instruction, including practical exercises, is provided for Environmental Health and Safety officers. Sample courses include:

• Disaster Planning
• Effects of Radiation
• Ordnance Disposal
• Chemical and Nuclear Detection and Defense
• Arming/Disarming Techniques