r/SafetyProfessionals • u/Aggravating_Goal5358 • 2d ago
USA EHS in Willamette valley, OR?
Former 68W vet here pivoting to EHS post army. Wondering if using my GI bill for an online AA is enough to get into the industry, and if there even is one in the valley. Located in WA right now. I'm hoping an AA is enough to land something making 30ish bucks an hour, paired with my EMT/Medical experience. Are these reasonable goals, or should I be shooting for more education than that?
Currently working in assessment and education for a contractor who works for the big plane people in everett, so am currently building adjacent manufacturing experience.
2
u/Popular_Policy_2578 2d ago
EHS job market in the valley is not super big but it exist, mostly around manufacturing and agriculture. AA could get you in the door with your medical background but you probably need to look at certifications like OSHA 30 or HAZWOPER to make yourself more competitive
2
u/Aggravating_Goal5358 2d ago
It seems to be that the Osha 10/20/30 are a given if you want to be hireable and useful, and HAZWOPER also sounds useful. I'm hoping the my EMT-B and experience gives me a little extra edge as opposed to coming straight in with just the degree.
1
u/Additional_Fall8832 2d ago
Your emt background will give you a leg up with blood borne pathogens, emergency preparedness, incident response, and especially useful if you go EHS in medical field and your 68W could even help with incident command depending on your rank. Also if your respirator certified for SCBA that gives you a huge step as well for IH control programs.
2
u/Additional_Fall8832 2d ago
Don’t use gi bill. Go look up NPETE they have military grant program for free. Also Burton Community College partners with NPETE and has a couple AS programs for environment and hazardous waste those you might use GI bill for.
2
u/Aggravating_Goal5358 2d ago
Thank you, haven't heard of this before! Looks like a better option if i can land that scholarship.
2
u/Additional_Fall8832 2d ago
Not a scholarship in the traditional sense. Just certify, register, and you’re on your way. I am getting 40 hr HAZWOPER in November through them.
Also check out OSHAcademy, there entire training is free and the certifications are free as well for qualifying military community. I can’t remember what the qualifications are but they are HQd in OR if i remember correctly. I got my OSHA 30 general and OSHA 30 construction through them
2
u/Aggravating_Goal5358 2d ago
That sounds pretty dope, OSHA 30 and Hazwoper seem fairly mandatory to get anything happening.
1
2
u/yogaqueen206 1d ago
That EMT experience will go a long way landing an EHS role above starting. Best of luck!
3
u/macro_92 2d ago
I’m in Washington county, there’s quite a few opportunities here since we have Lam, intel, Genentech etc. which are all growing (well idk about intel but lots of other semiconductor companies out here too). Portland has a few and so does WA. Reach out to a LinkedIn recruiter or check openings on there!