3 Ways To Become A Health Inspector

Search for and go to the state’s department of health website. [5] X Research source On the health department’s website, look or search for the careers section. [6] X Research source Look or search for careers in any inspector positions. Each state and local authority may name the position slightly differently, but it will usually always include the word inspector. Review the specific educational qualifications required by that department of health. In the case of New York State, public health inspectors need an associate’s degree OR 60 credit hours of post-secondary education. Twelve credit hours of either qualification must be in the natural sciences (i. e. biology, chemistry, physics, etc. ).

Normally these internships are only open to students and not recent graduates. Many of these internships are unpaid, so you’ll need to obtain funding via another source, or budget for being a volunteer instead of employed.

New York State requires all civil service employees to take an examination based on the type of position being applied to. [8] X Research source You can register and pay for examinations in New York State via their online portal. [9] X Research source Examinations are then held periodically throughout the year at locations throughout the state. [10] X Research source Once you’ve completed the examination, you will provided with your score and your name will be put on an eligibility list that can be shared with the appropriate state departments. As vacancies arise, you may be considered for the position based on your score and ranking compared to other candidates. [11] X Research source

Make sure you bring at least two printed copies of your resume with you to the interview. One to give to the interviewer, if required, and the other for you to reference while answering questions. Review the employer’s website and ensure you know the proper attire to wear for the interview. When it doubt, assume business formal attire. Practice your interview with a friend or career professional. This can include the career center at your post-secondary institution. Career centers may also offer seminars on interviewing skills which may be helpful.

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) offers certifications in a variety of environmental health professions, including the Certified Environmental Health Technician (CEHT) and Registered Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS). Different levels of certification require different levels of education. If you’re considering certification, make sure to apply for certification at the highest possible level that your education and/or experience will allow.

Some post-secondary institutions in the United States offer specific Occupational Health and Safety majors, certificates or degrees. These degrees will usually be a requirement of certification. [13] X Research source

If you want to work for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration directly, you can access all job postings on the federal USAJOBS website. Use the advanced search on the website to look specifically for jobs at OSHA. Remember that not all positions will be called inspector, so try not to limit your search by using the word inspector. To find Occupational Health and Safety jobs at a private organization you can use either a generic job search website (i. e. Monster, etc. ) or go directly to the organization’s career website.

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) offers a number of different certifications. The BCSP also offer a Career Paths in Safety PDF that walks you through the different types of certifications and their requirements. The Institute for Safety and Health Management (ISHM) offers a number of certifications for professionals at the management level. The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) offers two types of certification. Industrial hygiene is another term for Occupational Health and Safety.

Don’t limit your applications to positions you’re 100% qualified for. You may have other skills and abilities that make up for the lack of specific qualifications in other areas. The majority of available jobs aren’t actually posted on job websites, or advertised at all. This is referred to as the closed job market and it can usually only be accessed by networking. Your cover letter is one of the most important parts of your application. Don’t use a form letter. Make sure you use keywords directly from the job posting.

Many post-secondary institutions offer science degrees that may have specialties in agriculture and/or food-related topics at the undergrad level. Degrees that are specifically in agriculture and food safety tend to be at the graduate level. [18] X Research source

The Department of Agriculture requires that inspectors pass a written test in order to qualify for an entry-level position. [22] X Research source

The American Society of Agronomy offers certifications in a variety of specific agricultural disciplines. The Soil Science Society of America offers certifications specifically for the soil science specialty. The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) offers certifications specifically in animals sciences. The Institute for Food Technologists (IFT) offers different levels of membership that are very similar to certifications.

Postings for Agriculture and/or Food Safety positions at the federal government level can all be found on the USAJOBS career website. Don’t limit your applications to positions you’re 100% qualified for. You may have other skills and abilities that make up for the lack of specific qualifications in other areas. The majority of available jobs aren’t actually posted on job websites, or advertised at all. This is referred to as the closed job market and it can usually only be accessed by networking. Your cover letter is one of the most important parts of your application. Don’t use a form letter. Make sure you use keywords directly from the job posting.