Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Did You Know:
- About 41 percent of occupational health and safety specialists work in federal, state and local government agencies that enforce rules on safety, health and the environment.
- Most jobs require a bachelor's degree in occupational health, safety or a related field; some require advanced degrees.
- Projected average employment growth reflects a balance of continuing public demand for a safe and healthy work environment against the desire for smaller government and fewer regulations.
- Individuals with a well-rounded breadth of knowledge in more than one health and safety specialty will have the best job prospects.
Industry Areas
- Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
- Local Government (OES Designation)
- State Government (OES Designation)
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health and safety.
- Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
- Investigate accidents to identify causes and to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
Overall Kind of Work
Occupational health and safety specialists, also known as safety and health professionals or occupational health and safety inspectors, help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment and ...
Work Environment
Military
Environmental health and safety officers normally work in offices or research laboratories. They work outdoors while conducting environmental studies and surveys or inspecting facilities.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
2,164 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in the military
Service Branches
Environmental Health and Safety Officers work in the following services:
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness: 
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure: