Public Health Environmental Analyst in Utah Career Overview

As a Public Health Environmental Analyst, you play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community by evaluating and mitigating environmental hazards that can impact public health. Your work involves:

  • Assessing Environmental Risks: You analyze data related to air quality, water safety, waste management, and other environmental factors to identify potential health risks.

  • Conducting Research: You gather and interpret scientific research to understand the relationship between environmental conditions and public health outcomes.

  • Policy Development: You contribute to the formulation of policies and regulations aimed at safeguarding public health from environmental threats, promoting sustainability, and ensuring compliance with existing laws.

  • Collaboration: You work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and research institutions, to address public health concerns linked to environmental issues.

  • Public Education: You engage in outreach activities to inform the public about environmental health risks and promote practices that enhance community wellness.

  • Monitoring Environmental Conditions: You are responsible for the ongoing surveillance of environmental indicators to track changes and assess the effectiveness of public health interventions.

Your role is fundamental in fostering a healthier environment and improving the overall quality of life in your community.

Public Health Environmental Analyst Salary in Utah

Annual Median: $63,460
Hourly Median: $30.51

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 Utah

To become a Public Health Environmental Analyst in Utah, you will need to meet specific educational qualifications and training requirements. Consider the following degree programs that align with this career path:

  • Public Health: A bachelor's or master's degree in public health will provide a foundational understanding of health systems, community health, and environmental influences on public health.

  • Environmental Health: Pursuing a degree in environmental health focuses on the interaction between human health and the environment. This program typically covers topics such as environmental pollutants, health assessment, and regulatory policies.

  • Environmental Science: A degree in environmental science equips you with knowledge about natural and human-altered environments, emphasizing scientific principles and methodologies to assess environmental issues.

  • Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy: This program combines environmental science with management strategies and policy formation. A degree in this field prepares you to analyze and manage natural resources while considering public health impacts.

  • Epidemiology: A degree in epidemiology focuses on the study of disease patterns, causes, and effects in populations. This knowledge is essential for understanding how environmental factors influence public health outcomes.

In addition to completing one of these degree programs, obtaining hands-on training through internships or volunteer opportunities in public health agencies or environmental organizations can further enhance your qualifications for this role.

Best Schools to become a Public Health Environmental Analyst in Utah 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 Utah

  • Analytical Thinking: You must be able to evaluate complex environmental data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations based on your findings.

  • Research Skills: Proficiency in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research is essential. This involves gathering, synthesizing, and interpreting data from various sources.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with environmental assessment tools and software, as well as geographic information systems (GIS), is necessary for analyzing data and mapping environmental impact.

  • Communication Skills: You should be skilled in conveying technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public. This includes both written and verbal communication.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: The capability to develop practical solutions to environmental health issues is crucial. This includes assessing risks and creating actionable plans to mitigate those risks.

  • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail is essential when analyzing data and preparing reports. Small errors can lead to significant consequences in public health decisions.

  • Project Management Skills: You should be adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that timelines are met and objectives are achieved efficiently.

  • Team Collaboration: The ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams is important, as public health environmental analysis often requires input from various specialists.

  • Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding environmental laws, policies, and regulations relevant to public health is vital for compliance and effective advocacy.

  • Fieldwork Competence: Willingness and ability to conduct field investigations and assessments are needed to gather data from various environments directly.

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 Utah

The job market for Public Health Environmental Analysts in Utah is characterized by a growing demand and various opportunities driven by several factors:

  • Increasing Awareness of Environmental Health: There is a heightened public awareness regarding the link between environmental conditions and health outcomes. This has led to an increase in initiatives aimed at improving community health through environmental interventions.

  • Government Initiatives: State and local government agencies are investing in public health efforts, creating positions for analysts who can assess and mitigate environmental risks. Programs aimed at air quality, water safety, and waste management are particularly influential in shaping job availability.

  • Focus on Sustainable Practices: With the push for sustainability, organizations are employing environmental analysts to help develop and implement strategies that minimize environmental impacts while promoting public health. This trend is prevalent in both governmental and non-profit sectors.

  • Growth Potential: The field is expected to grow steadily, with projections indicating a positive trajectory for employment opportunities. As new environmental health concerns emerge, such as those related to climate change and pollution, the need for skilled analysts will continue to expand.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Key areas in Utah for Public Health Environmental Analysts include:

    • Salt Lake City: As the state capital, it houses multiple government agencies and non-profit organizations focused on public health.
    • Provo-Orem: This area is experiencing growth in technology and innovation, leading to more environmentally focused health initiatives.
    • Ogden-Clearfield: With a growing emphasis on community health assessments and environmental regulations, this region offers varying opportunities within public health sectors.
  • Diverse Employment Settings: You may find jobs with a range of employers, including:

    • State and local health departments
    • Environmental advocacy organizations
    • Research institutions
    • Private consulting firms specializing in environmental health
  • Networking Opportunities: Engaging with local public health organizations and attending industry conferences can enhance your job prospects. Building a strong professional network within Utah can lead to the discovery of unadvertised positions and collaborative opportunities.

The evolving job market for Public Health Environmental Analysts presents you with a dynamic landscape where proactive engagement and continuous learning may help you secure fulfilling roles within this essential field.

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

  • American Public Health Association (APHA)
    Explore publications, resources, and networking opportunities for public health professionals.
    APHA Website

  • National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
    Find abundant resources focusing on environmental health and public health practice.
    NEHA Website

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Environmental Health
    Access research, programs, and guidance on environmental health issues affecting population health.
    CDC Environmental Health

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    Review regulations, data, and tools related to environmental health and safety practices.
    EPA Website

  • Utah Department of Health and Human Services
    Get information on statewide public health initiatives, reports, and environmental health resources specific to Utah.
    Utah Department of Health

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Environmental Health Topics
    Access publications and ongoing research initiatives focused on the intersection of health and the environment.
    NIH Environmental Health

  • Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
    Find information on environmental toxicity and chemistry, useful for analysts interested in risk assessment.
    SETAC Website

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Environmental Health
    Gain a global perspective on environmental health policies, reports, and best practices.
    WHO Environmental Health

  • American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
    Access resources and professional development opportunities in public administration, including environmental policy.
    ASPA Website

  • Public Health Agency of Canada – Environmental Health
    Review guidelines and research related to environmental health from a national perspective.
    PHAC Environmental Health

  • Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP)
    Read peer-reviewed articles and research findings related to environmental health and policy.
    EHP Journal

  • Utah State University – College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
    Explore academic programs and research focused on environmental science and public health.
    USU College of Agriculture

  • Red Cross – Disaster Preparedness and Environmental Health
    Access guidelines and resources regarding environmental hazards and public emergency preparedness.
    Red Cross Environmental Health

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

  • What does a Public Health Environmental Analyst do?
    A Public Health Environmental Analyst evaluates environmental factors that affect public health. This includes analyzing data on air and water quality, hazardous materials, and other environmental risks to develop policies and recommend interventions to improve community health outcomes.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Public Health Environmental Analyst in Utah?
    Typically, a bachelor's degree in public health, environmental science, or a related field is required. Advanced positions may require a master's degree, and relevant certifications, such as the Certified Environmental Scientist (CES), can enhance your qualifications.

  • What skills are important for a Public Health Environmental Analyst?
    Key skills include analytical thinking, strong communication, proficiency in data analysis software, understanding of environmental regulations, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

  • Where can I find job opportunities as a Public Health Environmental Analyst in Utah?
    Job opportunities can be found through government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies. Websites such as the Utah Department of Health, job boards specific to public health, and professional networks are useful resources.

  • What is the typical salary for a Public Health Environmental Analyst in Utah?
    Salaries can vary widely based on experience, education, and location. As of 2023, the average salary ranges from $55,000 to $85,000 annually, with higher earnings for those in senior positions or specialized roles.

  • What are the advancement opportunities in this field?
    With experience, analysts can progress to senior analyst roles, program directors, or management positions within public health organizations. Pursuing further education or certifications can also open up advanced opportunities.

  • Is fieldwork a significant part of the job?
    Yes, fieldwork can be a component of the role, as you may need to conduct environmental assessments, collect samples, or inspect sites for compliance with health regulations. The extent of fieldwork may vary depending on the organization and specific job responsibilities.

  • What are the challenges faced by Public Health Environmental Analysts?
    Challenges may include navigating complex regulatory environments, staying current with evolving public health issues, and effectively communicating data-driven recommendations to policymakers and the public.

  • How can I stay updated on developments in public health and environmental science?
    Subscribing to relevant journals, attending professional conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in webinars are excellent ways to stay informed about the latest research, trends, and best practices in the field.

  • Are internships or volunteer opportunities valuable for aspiring Public Health Environmental Analysts?
    Yes, internships and volunteer positions are highly valuable as they provide practical experience, enhance your resume, and help you build a network within the industry. They can also offer insights into specific areas of interest within public health and environmental analysis.