In the growing field of environmental cleanup and remediation, distinguishing oneself as a knowledgeable and capable professional is crucial. As companies increasingly prioritize sustainability and the need for skilled workers in environmental services rises, possessing specialized certifications can significantly enhance career prospects.
Looking to excel in this industry? Consider the following certifications.
1. HAZWOPER Certification
The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification is mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workers who handle hazardous substances. This certification is foundational for those involved in environmental cleanup projects, including voluntary cleanups and operations involving hazardous waste.
Why it matters
Possessing a HAZWOPER certification not only ensures compliance with legal standards, but also equips professionals with the necessary safety protocols to manage hazardous materials effectively. This certification is often seen as a minimum requirement for employment in many environmental remediation roles, making it indispensable for career advancement.
How to get it
HAZWOPER training is available in 40-hour, 24-hour, and 8-hour refresher courses, depending on the role and exposure level of the candidate. Check out this OSHA-provided resource for finding certification training. The 40-hour training is designed for workers with direct involvement in handling hazardous substances, while the 24-hour course suits those with a more tangential role in contaminated sites.
2. CHMM
The Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) credential is a prestigious certification that demonstrates a high level of expertise in managing hazardous materials. This certification is ideal for those who wish to take on leadership roles in environmental projects.
Why it matters
CHMM certification holders are recognized for their comprehensive knowledge and ability to manage hazardous materials safely and effectively. This credential not only enhances an individual’s resume but also provides them with greater job security and potential for career advancement in specialized environmental sectors.
How to get it
The CHMM certification requires a bit more experience to obtain. Unless you’ve got a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in relevant fields like environmental science, hazardous materials management, as well as a minimum of four years of on-the-job experience in the industry, you won’t even be approved to take the exam.
But if you do have both a degree and experience, you can submit to take the exam administered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).
3. CESCO
The Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer (CESCO) certification, sometimes referred to as the Certified Environmental, Safety and Health Trainer (CET), is designed for professionals who are involved in developing and training teams on environmental compliance and safety procedures.
Why it matters
A CESCO certification showcases the ability to oversee and ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. This certification is particularly valuable for those aiming to lead teams in large-scale remediation projects or serve as compliance officers in industries dealing with significant environmental challenges.
How to get it
Candidates for the CESCO certification typically need to demonstrate expertise through a combination of education and specific professional experience. The certification process involves an examination that covers various aspects of environmental compliance, including waste management, water quality, and air pollution control.
Like the CHMM certification, it requires educational and work experience in addition to passing the exam. However, unlike the CHMM certification, one can get a HAZWOPER 40 HR training or OSHA 10/30 training in lieu of a relevant bachelor’s degree. Also, unlike the CHMM certification, CESCO only requires 2 years of full-time on-the-job experience.
4. Professional Engineer License in Environmental Engineering
A Professional Engineer (PE) license in the environmental engineering discipline verifies that an individual is qualified to assume a high level of responsibility in environmental projects. It is especially relevant for those involved in designing and overseeing projects that prevent environmental contamination.
Why it matters
Holding a PE license in environmental engineering not only certifies an individual’s technical competence but also allows them to sign off on project plans and designs, giving them a leading edge in the industry. This licensure is highly respected and often required for senior positions in engineering and project management within the environmental sector.
How to get it
To become a licensed Professional Engineer, one must first earn a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain sufficient work experience (typically four years), and then pass the 80-question Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in environmental engineering.
In the field of environmental cleanup and remediation, acquiring specialized certifications is a strategic move. These certifications not only ensure compliance with industry standards but also significantly boost employability and career growth potential. Professionals armed with these credentials are well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern environmental challenges, making them invaluable assets to their organizations and leaders in the field. As the industry evolves, continuous learning and certification will remain key drivers of success for ambitious environmental professionals.
Explore Planet Forward’s open roles in Environmental Remediation, Engineering, Energy and more.
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