Public Health Environmental Analyst in Kansas Career Overview

As a Public Health Environmental Analyst, you play a vital role in safeguarding community health by examining how environmental factors impact public health outcomes. Your responsibilities involve a blend of research, analysis, and fieldwork to assess the implications of contaminants in air, water, soil, and other environmental mediums.

  • You will investigate public health issues associated with environmental hazards, working closely with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders.
  • Your work often involves collecting and analyzing data to identify trends, risks, and potential interventions necessary to mitigate adverse health effects caused by environmental issues.
  • You are instrumental in developing policies and programs aimed at reducing environmental risks and enhancing public awareness about health-related environmental concerns.
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, policymakers, and public health professionals, is a key aspect of your role as it aids in driving informed decision-making and strategic planning.
  • You may also engage in community outreach, providing educational resources and guidance on best practices for minimizing health risks related to environmental exposures.
  • Regulatory compliance is another critical component of your duties, as you ensure that local, state, and federal environmental standards are met and that communities remain safe from harmful pollutants.

Your contributions are essential in promoting healthier environments, ultimately fostering well-being among populations you serve in Kansas and beyond.

Public Health Environmental Analyst Salary in Kansas

Annual Median: $63,490
Hourly Median: $30.53

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Public Health Environmental Analyst in Kansas

To become a Public Health Environmental Analyst, you will need to pursue specific educational qualifications and training. The following degree programs are relevant to this career path:

  • Public Health: A degree in public health provides a broad understanding of health systems and policies, community health, and environmental health issues. Look for programs that offer coursework in environmental health science and policy.

  • Environmental Health: This degree focuses specifically on the relationship between the environment and public health. Course topics often include toxicology, environmental risk assessment, and the impact of environmental factors on human health.

  • Environmental Science: An environmental science degree encompasses a range of topics related to the natural environment. You will study ecological processes, pollution control, and environmental regulations, which are integral to the role of an environmental analyst.

  • Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy: This program will equip you with knowledge on managing natural resources, understanding environmental laws and policies, and the socio-economic implications of environmental changes, all of which are essential for a public health environmental analyst.

  • Epidemiology: A degree in epidemiology emphasizes the study of diseases and health outcomes in populations. This training is beneficial for understanding the public health implications of environmental hazards and developing control strategies.

In addition to obtaining a relevant degree, you may also consider seeking internships or fieldwork opportunities related to environmental health to gain practical experience that complements your academic training.

Best Schools to become a Public Health Environmental Analyst in Kansas 2024

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

In-State Tuition:$60,480
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,480
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:31,275

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC

In-State Tuition:$12,288
Out-of-State Tuition:$33,528
Admission Rate:64%
Graduation Rate:78%
Total Enrollment:35,653

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV

In-State Tuition:$8,133
Out-of-State Tuition:$24,687
Admission Rate:86%
Graduation Rate:62%
Total Enrollment:20,945

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

In-State Tuition:$12,900
Out-of-State Tuition:$30,600
Admission Rate:66%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:50,637

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:11%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:45,307

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,559
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,473
Admission Rate:44%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:49,600
Public Health Environmental Analyst Job Description:
  • Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

Public Health Environmental Analyst Required Skills and Competencies in Kansas

  • Analytical Skills: You must be able to assess complex data sets, interpret environmental health trends, and evaluate public health impacts effectively.

  • Research Proficiency: Conducting thorough research on environmental conditions and health risks is essential. You should be able to gather data from various sources and draw relevant conclusions.

  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities are necessary for conveying findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including the public, government agencies, and community organizations.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You will often encounter unforeseen challenges that require innovative solutions. Your ability to develop and implement effective strategies will be vital.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision in your work is critical. Monitoring environmental data and ensuring compliance with health regulations requires meticulous attention to detail.

  • Technical Knowledge: A solid understanding of environmental science, toxicology, and epidemiology is necessary for evaluating environmental health risks.

  • Team Collaboration: You will work with various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, community groups, and other health professionals. Your ability to collaborate effectively is important for successful project outcomes.

  • Project Management: Managing multiple projects simultaneously requires strong organizational skills, allowing you to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.

  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and public health policies will enhance your ability to ensure compliance and best practices.

  • Statistical Analysis: Proficiency in statistical methods and tools is vital for analyzing data and interpreting results in the context of public health.

  • Public Engagement: You should feel comfortable engaging with the community, presenting findings, and educating the public on environmental health issues.

  • Adaptability: The public health landscape is constantly evolving. Your ability to adapt to new information, technologies, and regulatory changes is essential for success in this field.

Job Duties for Public Health Environmental Analysts

  • Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.

  • Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.

  • Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.

Technologies and Skills Used by Public Health Environmental Analysts

Analytical or scientific software

  • DQO-PRO
  • Tibco Scribe Software

Data base user interface and query software

  • Database software
  • Microsoft Access

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

People and Technology Systems

  • Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Public Health Environmental Analyst in Kansas

The job market for Public Health Environmental Analysts in Kansas presents a variety of opportunities shaped by current health trends, environmental concerns, and the evolving needs of communities. Here’s a closer look at the landscape you can expect:

  • Demand for Analysts:

    • There is a growing demand for Public Health Environmental Analysts due to increasing public awareness of environmental issues and their impact on community health.
    • The rise in regulation around environmental protection and public health initiatives creates a greater need for professionals who can analyze data and develop policies.
  • Growth Potential:

    • Job growth in this field is projected to remain strong as state and local health departments focus on mitigating environmental risks and promoting public health.
    • Opportunities exist across various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry, making this a versatile career path.
  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Major urban areas such as Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka are key markets due to their established health departments and active public health initiatives.
    • Smaller communities are also beginning to invest in public health programs, resulting in opportunities in local government and community organizations.
    • Collaboration with educational institutions for research projects is prevalent in places with universities, further driving demand for analysts.

As you navigate your career options, being aware of these dynamics in the public health environmental analysis field in Kansas will aid in identifying potential job opportunities and career growth.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Public Health Environmental Analyst in Kansas

  • American Public Health Association (APHA)
    Explore resources on public health policies, reports, and professional development.
    APHA Website

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    Access information on environmental health topics, research, and guidelines.
    CDC Environmental Health

  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
    Learn about the impact of environmental factors on public health and access research data.
    NIEHS Website

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    Find regulations, research, and information on environmental protection and public health initiatives.
    EPA Website

  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
    Gain insights into state-specific environmental health issues, policies, and resources.
    KDHE Website

  • Society for Environmental Health and Toxicology (SEHT)
    Network with professionals and access publications related to environmental health.
    SEHT Website

  • Journal of Environmental Health
    Stay updated with research articles, case studies, and reviews in the field of environmental health.
    Journal of Environmental Health

  • World Health Organization (WHO) - Environment and Health
    Review global resources on environmental health trends, policies, and programs.
    WHO Environment and Health

  • Public Health Agency of Canada - Environmental Health
    Explore guidelines and research regarding environmental factors that affect public health.
    PHAC Environmental Health

  • Environmental Health Perspectives
    Access a journal that publishes research on environmental health science and policy.
    Environmental Health Perspectives

Utilizing these resources will strengthen your understanding of public health environmental analysis, enhance your knowledge base, and connect you to professionals in your field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Public Health Environmental Analyst in Kansas

  • What is a Public Health Environmental Analyst?
    A Public Health Environmental Analyst investigates the interactions between environmental factors and human health. You assess risks associated with pollution, hazardous waste, and other environmental hazards, providing critical insights to support public health initiatives.

  • What are the typical responsibilities of this role?
    Your responsibilities may include:

    • Collecting and analyzing environmental data.
    • Conducting risk assessments and environmental health studies.
    • Collaborating with government agencies, organizations, and the public.
    • Developing policy recommendations.
    • Communicating findings to stakeholders.
  • What educational background is required?
    Typically, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in public health, environmental science, biology, or a related field. Many positions prefer or require a master’s degree, especially for advanced roles or research positions.

  • What skills are important for a Public Health Environmental Analyst?
    Key skills include:

    • Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
    • Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Knowledge of environmental regulations and public health policies.
  • What is the job outlook for Public Health Environmental Analysts in Kansas?
    The job outlook is generally positive, as there is a growing emphasis on environmental health and sustainability. The demand for professionals in public health and environmental sectors continues to increase due to rising environmental concerns.

  • What industries employ Public Health Environmental Analysts?
    You might find opportunities in various sectors, including:

    • Government agencies (local, state, federal).
    • Non-profit organizations focused on environmental health.
    • Private consulting firms.
    • Academic and research institutions.
  • Is certification important for this career?
    While certification is not always required, obtaining credentials, such as the Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), can enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your expertise.

  • What are some potential career paths within this field?
    You can progress to various roles, such as:

    • Senior Environmental Analyst.
    • Environmental Health Director.
    • Policy Advisor for public health agencies.
    • Research Scientist in academic institutions.
  • What are the average salary expectations for Public Health Environmental Analysts in Kansas?
    Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and location. As of the most recent data, you can expect an average salary range from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, with the potential for higher earnings in specialized or senior roles.

  • How can I gain relevant experience for this career?
    You can gain experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and entry-level positions within public health or environmental agencies. Networking with professionals in the field can also provide valuable insights and job opportunities.