Skills and interests (environmental health professional)

Find out more about the skills and knowledge required to be an environmental health professional. 

Examples of some of the skill and knowledge requirements are:

  • knowledge and ability to apply relevant UK and European legislation, directives, and guidance
  • good communication and presentation skills 
  • awareness of and commitment to customer care principles
  • ability to work to deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure
  • flexibility, adaptability and ability to prioritise work appropriately
  • adaptability in a changing work environment
  • supporting colleagues
  • being tactful and diplomatic
  • being effective at analysing problems and making recommendations

Environmental health professional measuring traffic noise

More senior skills include:

  • good interviewing skills
  • knowledge and experience across a number of environmental health disciplines
  • experience of guiding and supporting other environmental health professionals 
  • finding innovative ways of managing work
  • leading positively by example and shares the responsibility for the work of the team
  • considerable experience of seeing legal action through from initial stage to prosecution
  • considerable experience of dealing with Elected Members

Environmental health professionals have skills and knowledge primarily at levels 5 to 7 of the of the Skills for Health Career Framework.

You might also find it helpful to take a look at our career planning section to think more about the skills and qualities you have to offer.

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