Overview
Public and environmental health and safety professionals review, evaluate and monitor public health and environmental safety hazards and develop strategies to prevent, control and eliminate disease and environmental impact caused by biological and chemical factors. They inspect restaurants, industrial establishments, municipal water systems, public facilities and institutions to ensure compliance with government regulations regarding sanitation, pollution control and the handling and storage of hazardous substances. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Inspect the sanitary conditions of restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals and other public facilities or institutions
Conduct surveys and monitoring programs of the natural environment to identify sources of pollution
Collect biological and chemical samples and specimens for analysis; measure physical, biological and chemical; and conduct safety and environmental audits
Investigate health and safety related complaints, spills of hazardous chemicals, outbreaks of diseases or poisonings
Inspect workplaces to ensure that equipment, materials and production processes do not present environmental hazards to the environment or a health and safety hazard to employees or to the general public
Lead the development and the implementation of public safety and environmental health and safety programs and strategies to mitigate risk and optimize the general public and worker's health and safety and environmental protection
Initiate enforcement procedures to fine or to close an establishment contravening municipal, provincial or federal regulations
Provide consultation and deliver training programs to employers, employees and the general public on issues of public health, environmental protection or workplace safety.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$50,054
$83,424
$128,348
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
532expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in a discipline such as food science, environmental studies, chemistry or health and safety is usually required.
Public health inspectors employed outside Quebec require certification with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.
Environmental health and safety professionals may require certification with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP).
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Public and environmental health and safety professionals in B.C.
- Certification with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals - Public and Environmental Health and Safety Professionals
- Certification with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors
Certification with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals - Public and Environmental Health and Safety Professionals
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a public or environmental health and safety professional in B.C., you may need to become Certified by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program, certifying examinations, and sufficient work experience.
Certification with the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a public health inspector in B.C., you need to become Certified by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program, a practicum, and certifying examinations.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.