Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Build containment areas prior to beginning abatement or decontamination work.
• Remove asbestos or lead from surfaces, using hand or power tools such as scrapers, vacuums, or high-pressure sprayers.
• Identify asbestos, lead, or other hasardous materials to be removed, using monitoring devices.
• Prepare hasardous material for removal or storage.
• Comply with prescribed safety procedures or federal laws regulating waste disposal methods.
• Load or unload materials into containers or onto trucks, using hoists or forklifts.
• Clean contaminated equipment or areas for reuse, using detergents or solvents, sandblasters, filter pumps, or steam cleaners.
• Remove or limit contamination following emergencies involving hasardous substances.
• Clean mold-contaminated sites by removing damaged porous materials or thoroughly cleaning all contaminated nonporous materials.
• Operate machines or equipment to remove, package, store, or transport loads of waste materials.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Environmental Health Officer grade HSE Approved qualifications in Ireland. This role manages the review and support of sustainable practice and compliance with health guidelines. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre PLC Courses Occupational Health & Safety NFQ level 5 Search FET PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO Entry Occupational Safety & Health, Environmental Health, Environmental health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety Management, Health Safety & Environmental Management, Occupational & Environmental Health & Safety, Agriculture & Environmental Management, Analytical Chemistry - Environmental Forensic & Pharmaceutical, Climate & Environmental Sustainability, Engineering - Civil Sturctural & Environmental Engineering NFQ level 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postrgraduate study options Diploma in Environmental Health, Environmental Health & Safety Management, Environmental Health & Safety Streams, Occupational & Environmental Health & Safety, Biological & Environmental Science , Chemistry - Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Leadership at NFQ level 9-10

Professional Development

Senior Grade EHO 

Principal Grade EHO 

Regional Chief EHO 

See also: Working in Ireland as an EHO EHAI. 

Environmental Health & Safety Officers also work in the private sector advising on Safety & health compliance in a wide array of Industries, in complaince with the HSA check here 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL/ Morgan McKinley / Sigmar / Lincoln

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• Health and Safety Authority

  • The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
  • 1890 289 389
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Environmental Health Association Ireland - EHAI

  • Heraghty House 4 Carlton Terrace Novara Avenue Bray Co Wicklow Ireland
  • (01) 276 1211
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here