There are jobs that combine a public health degree and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) objectives for a rewarding career, because protecting the environment often results in enhanced public health. Most people believe that the primary career functions of those working within the EPA are filled by those with biology, chemistry and environmental engineering degrees. However, there are some positions within the EPA that are open to candidates with public health degrees who want to help the agency fulfill its mission to examine and mitigate the impacts of environmental damage on human health. Humans are so connected to the earth and their surrounding environment that negative changes to either over long periods of time eventually result in the degradation of everyone’s health. Here are some career groups at the EPA that help the agency solve public health issues in parallel with environmental ones.
MPH Environmental Health Jobs with the EPA
Toxicologist
Most of the top-tier schools of public health offer students opportunities to choose an area of interest in which to specialize. Students interested in how toxic agents are distributed within the environment and biological systems usually take a concentration in environmental toxicology. The classes within this type of degree programs also instruct students about how these virulent agents are safely neutralized to prevent large numbers of human and wildlife fatalities.
Physiologist
Physiology as it relates to public health is another concern of the division of the EPA that deals with defending the environment. In order for the EPA to fulfill its mission to alleviate the impacts of environmental stress points on the human body, they need specialists in physiology to understand how the body responds to the introduction of foreign elements into the environment. The EPA is interested in what contaminants cause physical damage to humans, the usual extent of the damage and at what level of penetration into the environment does the contaminant start affecting human bodily functions.
Industrial Hygienist
As long as industry and businesses emerge and expand so does the need for EPA sponsored industrial hygienists. These hygienists study, identify and help to mitigate environmental stressors produced in the workplace that may harm humans. Businesses and industry are interested in the research efforts conducted by industrial hygienists to improve labor relations, but the work results of these scientists go further when combined with the resources and nationally recognized mission of the EPA.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental health science is another concentration that belongs to the school of public health in most colleges and universities, and the EPA’s environmental health scientists investigate environmental hazards and their effects. They use the results of their research and analysis to create and update nationwide environmental protection and public health policies. These scientists can work on broad-based projects at the national level, or they can use their skills to solve environmental issues within specific communities. The skills possessed by those with environmental health training and experience is so highly valued by the EPA that the group often partners with other government agencies to sponsor special projects involving environmental health scientists funded through federal grant, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Related Resource: Public Health Management Analyst
Conclusion
The mission of the EPA promotes environmental responsibility to protect the quality of life of both humans and wildlife. These mission ideals align with the theoretical concepts, research methods and practically applied methods taught within many public health degree programs. Those looking for jobs that combine a public health degree and the environmental protection agency should peruse the EPA Health and Environmental Effects Research website page to find out more about how they can help the agency meet its goals.