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Environmental Public Health Officer, Inspector, Public Health Inspector / Officer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $36.46 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $44.02 |
| Top | $49.92 |
Interest in handling materials to collect water samples and other materials for analyses; and to develop, implement and evaluate health and safety programs and strategies
Interest in analyzing data from investigations of health and safety related complaints, spills of hazardous chemicals, outbreaks of diseases and poisonings and from workplace accidents and illnesses
Interest in speaking with employers, employees and the general public to deliver training and advise on public health, environmental protection and workplace safety issues; and in initiating enforcement procedures to fine or to close establishments that contravene municipal, provincial and federal regulations
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Public health inspectors ensure compliance with public health legislation and regulations. They investigate, evaluate, and deal with health-related complaints related to environmental factors. They inspect public and private facilities, such as:
In general, they assess circumstances, provide advice, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. These could pertain to:
They also educate the public to help people understand regulations and the need for proper health protection. For example, they may be involved in injury prevention and other health-promotion programs.
Public health inspectors spend much of their time inspecting a wide range of work settings. While in their offices, they prepare reports, set up schedules, and answer questions from the public. They normally work alone. However, they may consult with other health team members, health professionals and service organizations. Examples include the SPCA and child-protection services.
The most often work regular office hours. They sometimes work overtime.
Public health inspectors need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work. They should like analyzing information and dealing with people.
Public health inspectors must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or equivalent education. Employers may require applicants to have a clear security check and regularly updated immunizations. Some require applicants to have a valid driver’s licence and perhaps their own vehicle.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Outside Alberta:
Except in Quebec, public health inspectors must be certified by the Board of Certification of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors. To qualify for the Certificate of Public Health Inspection (Canada) designation, candidates must:
Once certified, they must maintain their certification by pursuing continuing education in their field.
Most public health inspectors work for local public health authorities. Some work for:
A growing number of public health inspectors work in the private sector. Some work as private consultants.
Experienced inspectors may advance from staff inspector to environmental health specialist and senior inspector positions. They may move on to chief inspector or director positions.
Public health inspectors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety. In Alberta, 85% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 154 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $58.67 | $36.46 | $37.00 |
| Overall | $23.10 | $68.42 | $44.02 | $42.00 |
| Top | $25.00 | $80.62 | $49.92 | $47.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $129,015 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $112,760 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,227 |
| Public Administration | $95,885 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $89,167 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $85,114 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $79,355 |
| Manufacturing | $77,946 |
| Construction | $73,208 |
| Educational Services | $70,368 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $69,185 |
| Retail Trade | $64,403 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $59,224 |
| Wholesale Trade | $55,573 |
Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, Alberta website: www.ciphi.ab.ca
Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, national website: www.ciphi.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.