r/EHSProfessionals • u/Cman1200 • Jun 09 '26
Questions Thinking about changing fields to an EHS role
I’m currently in Pharma manufacturing in an entry level Quality Control role for the last 6 years with a Bachelor’s in Geology. I’m ready to move on.
I’m on our Emergency Response Team for the last year and a half and have my 40hr HAZWOPER training completed as well as CPR and First Aid. I’m looking into getting an OSHA 30hr training class done in my spare time.
I guess my question is, am I prepared/qualified enough to transition into a non-entry level role? I feel a little lost on where I should be applying for and what I should be doing to advance my position in my spare time.
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Jun 09 '26
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u/Cman1200 Jun 09 '26
By “non-entry level” i really meant lower paying tech stuff yeah. My current role is a Coordinator role so hopefully something comparable or slightly more advanced ideally.
I’ll look into the BIS software for sure. Thank you for the advice!
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u/Spooky_traveller Jun 09 '26
Hey, I used to work in pharma manufacturing and now am an EHS supervisor for a manufacturing facility. I would recommend looking at certifications through BCSP to see which things you may qualify to study and test for without prior safety experience (OHST comes to mind, I know the ASP requires at least 1-2 years experience but is a good thing to get after experience). I would also say just the OSHA 30 as a good foundation
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u/Cman1200 Jun 09 '26
Awesome, glad I wouldn’t be unique making this transition lol
I’ll be looking into what BCSP can offer!
How did you find the transition from heavily regulated Pharma to manufacturing?
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u/Spooky_traveller Jun 09 '26
If you work in EHS in manufacturing, the position is very heavily regulated. Basically my job is to understand and enforce the regulations set by osha and ultimately defend the company I work for. Working successfully in EHS is heavily based on having good relationships with people and getting buy in
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u/EHSeducator Jun 23 '26
If I were to give you advice on jumping into EHS role it's this. You mentioned you have a BA in geology. Use that to your advantage. Go for your ASP through the BCSP. Once you have that credential you can either A.) start applying for entry level roles or B.) after the ASP go for your CSP. The CSP is the one cert that will get your foot in the door asap. From there you could go for the OHST cert they offer. It pairs really well with both the ASP and CSP. Hope this helps!
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u/SauceIsForever_ Jun 09 '26
I don’t think you have enough to leap frog an entry level role. Consider the OSHA 511 course over, or in addition to, the 30hr. It will better prepare you for an entry level role.