Career in Environmental Health

If you thought that environmental health was just about catching rats, you couldn’t be more wrong!

Environmental health plays a crucial role in everybody’s daily life. In fact you will probably be surprised at how varied and challenging the work of an environmental health officer really is.

Put simply Environmental Health Officers work to create an environment where everybody has the same chance to have a healthy life. There are four important aspects to this work:

• Improving food safety
• Improving housing conditions
• Improving the environment
• Improving workplace health and safety

What qualifications and experience do you need?

Strathclyde University is the only one in Scotland that offers the BSc (Hons) Environmental Health degree course. Acceptance onto this course is essential. Entry requirements are four Higher passes at ABBC or BBBB or equivalent, including Chemistry, Mathematics and preferably Physics or Biology. Mature applicants with alternative qualifications may apply. In some cases exemption from part of the course may be allowed. Each application is judged on its individual merits.

Applicants who already have a science honours degree (2:2 or above) can undertake a REHIS accredited MSc course either part/ fulltime at the University of Strathclyde or by distance learning at the University of Derby. To find out more about the course contact the following: University of Strathclyde, telephone 0141 548 3200 or University of Derby, telephone 0133 259 1899.

When applying for your place at University it is advisable to look for a training place within a local authority. Aberdeenshire Council can provide the structured practical training that needs to be undertaken.

The REHIS Scheme of Practical Training consists of a minimum 48 weeks. Most students fulfil that requirement by carrying out training during breaks from University and after graduation. Students are paid during these periods.

Future Career Opportunities

We offer both financial and office based support to help trainees gain their professional qualification. Our current Head of Environmental Health, Ian Robertson is a good example of this. He received full support when pursuing his chosen career. Now he has worked his way up to be the most senior practising EHO in Aberdeenshire Council.

Further Information

View our current vacancies within Aberdeenshire Council

Or contact:

Environmental Health Manager (South)
Gordon House
Blackhall Road
Inverurie
AB51 3WA
Tel: 01467 628134
recruitment@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Alternatively contact:
REHIS
3 Manor Place
Edinburgh
EH3 7DH