About the Job

The role of the Environmental Health Manager (Environmental Health Officer) is to provide advice with respect to strategies by which hazards to health may be controlled.

Responsibilities

Environmental Health Managers are responsible for the planning, identification, evaluation, and recommendations for control strategies designed to minimise the adverse health impact of the environment and the workplace, on personnel. Areas of responsibility of Environmental Health Managers include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Water safety
  • Food safety
  • Epidemiological studies
  • Occupational hygiene
  • Waste management
  • Vector control
  • Emergency management
  • Workplace assessments and
  • Radiological assessments
Areas of Employment

Environmental Health Managers are normally employed in health support environments; however, their duties necessitate assessments of Defence work areas and processes that take them to all areas of Defence operations, both locally and overseas.

Environmental Health Managers with prerequisite operational skills and knowledge may be employed in a number of operational roles. These duties would normally be carried out in the field during exercises and operations but could also be in higher headquarters as part of the planning for such activities. Environmental Health Managers will be required to develop the specialised Ground Defence skills and knowledge to perform their duties in an operational environment.

In the field, Environmental Health Managers are responsible for ensuring that environmental health and sanitation are of the highest standards within the constraints of the operational context. This may include not only providing the advice but at times actually physically implementing control strategies (pest control, construction and maintenance of field hygiene facilities, etc). Environmental Health Managers can also be employed in the area of disaster support, providing environmental health advice and support not only to the deployed forces but the affected populations.

In most cases Environmental Health Managers are required to carry out their duties with minimum supervision.


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary & Allowances

In the Air Force you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

Positions for Air Force Environmental Health Managers are currently established in most Australian capital cities.


Requirements

Age

Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age on day of entry. Maximum age on entry is 57 years of age.

Education & Experience

The following entry requirements are essential:

  • You must hold an Undergraduate degree majoring in Environmental Health, or
  • a Post Graduate qualification in Environmental Health, accredited by Environmental Health Australia (EHA).

Note: Environmental Science/Management or Occupational Health and Safety qualifications are not suitable for entry into the specialisation. Candidates with these, or similar, qualifications must complete an EHA accredited undergraduate or post graduate EH qualification.

The following entry requirements are desirable:

  • At least 12 months post qualification experience, or be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to achieve the Unit of Competency detailed in the Environmental Health Manager Personal Development Strategy.
  •  Hold a Certificate IV in Occupational Hygiene or related field.
  • Additionally you must satisfy general officer entry requirements.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of two years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation and provide a minimum of three months notice.

Additional Requirements

Licence Requirements:

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon enlistment/appointment. Candidates with suspended or cancelled licences will not be eligible to join until the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
Duration: 12 weeks

Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training you will be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.

Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training you will be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.

Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training you will consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.

You will be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you will participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.

Follow the link for further details.

Employment Training

Environmental Health Managers will continue to develop their expertise and skills by completing a number of specialist training courses, which include:

  • RAAF Industrial Hygiene Training
  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence
  • Emergency Management for Public Health Professionals
  • Operational Field Hygiene Training
  • Operational Health Support Course
  • Ionising Radiation Protection Officer Training
  • Radiofrequency Radiation Safety Officer Training
  • Defence Occupational Noise Training
  • Vector Control and Mosquito Identification Training

RAAFSR Environmental Health Managers will be required to undertake such training as the Operational Health Support course and specialised Defence short courses.

Further Training

Environmental Health Managers may be required to undertake specialist training in occupational hygiene, emergency management, audiometry, operational health support, vector control, field hygiene, pest control and radiation safety.


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary Information

In the Air Force you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your salary increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you could receive a variety of allowances specific to your service - plus superannuation at a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.

Your starting salary

When you first join the Air Force and while studying for your degree at the university of your choice, you will be paid:

With 4 years to graduation: $35,326 per year
With 3 years to graduation: $41,606 per year
With 2 years to graduation: $47,886 per year
In final year: $54,166 per year

Your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Your pay grade may also increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of further training.

In addition to this package you will receive free medical and dental care, substantial housing and accommodation subsidies.

Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.

Locations

Positions for Air Force Environmental Health Managers are currently established in most Australian capital cities.


Requirements

Age

The maximum age for entry is such that an applicant must be able to complete their degree, any periods of postgraduate experience, or professional development placements and their Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation incurred under the scheme prior to compulsory retirement age (normally 60 years of age).

Education & Experience

To be eligible for an Air Force Undergraduate sponsorship, applicants must have completed:

  • Year 12 with passes in English and three other Board of Secondary School Studies registered subjects
  • The first full year of study (preferably with academic results) of a full-time undergraduate degree majoring in Environmental Health. The undergraduate degree must be accredited by Environmental Health Australia
Undergraduate sponsorship is not available to applicants studying Environmental Science or Environmental Management. Applicants need to be undertaking an approved undergraduate degree majoring in Environmental Health. Information on accredited courses can be located on the Environmental Health Australia web site.

This entry mode attracts a debt' roughly similar to the maximum rate of HECS costs ($10,000 per annum). In general terms, this debt accrues (increases) whilst you are undertaking study, with the maximum debt reached on completion of study. Once the period of study has ended, the debt begins to acquit (reduce) for the remainder of your Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once the IMPS period is complete, there is no remaining debt.

Applicants who are currently in Year 12, or due to finish Year 12 and are able to provide confirmation of acceptance/enrolment into a relevant degree pathway will be considered on a case by case basis to commence an application. Applicants will then be able to progress to Officer Selection Board prior to gaining first semester university results. All applicants must be able to confirm successful university results before appointment.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) dependant on your length of sponsorship. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation and provide a minimum of three months notice.

The length of IMPS in total will depend on the duration of sponsorship. Any requirement for post-graduation experience, eg: medical residency, legal articles will be incorporated in your IMPS.

Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Additional Requirements

Licence Requirements:

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon enlistment/appointment. Candidates with suspended or cancelled licences will not be eligible to join until the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
Duration: 1 week Undergraduate Familiarisation Course

During your first year of sponsorship you'll attend a one-week Familiarisation Course at RAAF Base East Sale, VIC. This will introduce you to basic military protocols and procedures.

Following graduation you will undertake the Initial Officer Course of 12 weeks duration. This is a live-in course completed at RAAF Base East Sale.
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
Duration: 12 weeks

Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training you will be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.

Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training you will be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.

Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training you will consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.

You will be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you will participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.

Follow the link for further details.

Employment Training

Environmental Health Managers will continue to develop their expertise and skills by completing a number of specialist training courses, which include:

  • RAAF Industrial Hygiene Training
  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence
  • Emergency Management for Public Health Professionals
  • Operational Field Hygiene Training
  • Operational Health Support Course
  • Ionising Radiation Protection Officer Training
  • Radiofrequency Radiation Safety Officer Training
  • Defence Occupational Noise Training
  • Vector Control and Mosquito Identification Training

RAAFSR Environmental Health Managers will be required to undertake such training as the Operational Health Support course and specialised Defence short courses.

Further Training

Environmental Health Managers may be required to undertake specialist training in occupational hygiene, emergency management, audiometry, operational health support, vector control, field hygiene, pest control and radiation safety.