“I make sure our troops stay well.”
"I help protect the health and well-being of a deployed force"
We need every soldier and officer to be fit and well, so that we have an active, capable Army. That means protecting our troops’ health and wellbeing, wherever they are in the world. As an Environmental Health Technician, you advise commanders on environmental health, occupational hygiene, preventing disease and environmental protection. Whenever troops are deployed, you go out beforehand on reconnaissance missions to check out the location and risks. It’s important work – but don’t worry – you’ll get the highest standard of training.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Get a fully recognised civilian BSc in Environmental Health.
- Help prevent disease outbreaks.
- Give military commanders guidance on water and food safety.
- Advise front line troops on the safest places to build military bases and camps.
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. Your initial training will be at either Pirbright or Winchester and last for 14 weeks.
Step 2
Then you’ll begin practical training at the Defence School of Healthcare Education. At the same time, you’ll do a BSc (Hons) degree in Environmental Health from Leeds Beckett University. You will gain a NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and a BPCA Certificate in Pest Control over three years.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 35 years 6 months
QUALIFICATIONS: 104 UCAS points from 2 A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies. GCSE Grade A–C/9-4 in at least English Language, Maths and two sciences. For full entry criteria information, please visit the Leeds Beckett University Website
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
All Environmental Health Technicians can gain postgraduate qualification throughout their career and you may also have the opportunity to study at MSc level.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £14,931 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your Unit, pay will rise to £21,600.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“As part of my training I undertook a 10-month placement with the Environmental Health team in Cyprus. I had the chance to put my theoretical knowledge to practical use in food hygiene, pest control, occupational health and safety and disease investigation. I deployed to Jordan in 2014 on an Environmental Health reconnaissance mission supporting an infantry unit. My responsibilities included advising senior commanders on issues regarding food hygiene, water safety, the placement of camps, disease risks, pests and vectors, climatic injuries and waste disposal methods – information that’s needed to protect the health and well-being of a deployed force.” – LCpl Eachtu
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You will complete your initial training over 4 weekends at your Unit or a central location found across the UK. If it suits you better, you can condense this into a 1 week training course.
Step 2
You will then attend a 2 week long training course at an Army Training Centre, these are located across the UK.
Step 3
Once your basic soldiering training is complete, you will move on to do trade specific training with your Unit.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 18 years - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: 80 UCAS points from 2 A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies. GCSE Grade A–C/9-4 in at least English Language, Maths and two sciences
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
On successful entry into the Army Medical Services Reserve you will be eligible to apply for funding for Professional Qualifications to help you in your role with the Army Medical Services.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £14,931 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your Unit, pay will rise to £21,600.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty. More about Reserve benefits
HOW TO APPLY?
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.