How to become An Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to create a world where the environment does not need protection from hazards associated with careless waste disposal, erosion, water, and air pollution.

• Environmental Engineer and Scientist
• Civil & Environmental Engineer
• Geo-Environmental Engineer
• Safety and Environmental Engineer
• Sustainability Engineer
• Civil Environmental Engineer
• Public Health Engineer

What do Environmental Engineers do?

An Environmental Engineer would typically need to:

• Work towards the broad goals of improving waste disposal recycling, protecting public health, reducing water and air pollution, reversing climate change, and promoting environmental sustainability
• Design specific projects that actively protect the environment, such as systems and facilities for municipal and industrial water supplies, water reclamation and industrial wastewater treatment, air pollution control systems, and operations that convert waste to energy
• Prepare, review, and update environmental investigation reports; assess how a site complies with environmental regulations
• Use mathematical techniques and computer modeling to evaluate or forecast past, present, and future ecological problems
• Design, develop, test, and implement technical solutions which will help organizations actively reduce their negative impact on the environment; advise corporations and government agencies about procedures for cleaning up contaminated sites
• Obtain, update and maintain plans, permits, and standard operating systems; provide technical support for environmental remediation projects and legal actions
• Monitor the progress of environmental improvement programs, conduct quality-control checks, and analyze scientific data
• Research the environmental impact of proposed construction projects; inspect industrial and municipal facilities and programs to ensure compliance with environmental regulations
• Study ways to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous-waste technicians, engineers, and experts in law and business to address environmental problems and sustainability; develop regulations to prevent mishaps, if employed by the government

Environmental Engineers work in diverse settings depending on the nature of the tasks they are entrusted with. When working with other engineers and urban and regional planners, you are likely to be in an office. When working with businesspeople and lawyers, you are likely to be at seminars, present information, and answer questions. When working with hazardous materials removal workers and environmental scientists, you will work at specific sites outdoors.

The appropriate dress code would be location-specific and may range from formal to one, including proper safety gear.

Most Environmental Engineers work full time. As Environmental Engineering often requires a lot of site work and travel, hours can be irregular. You may stay away from home overnight, or sometimes for longer, perhaps weeks or even months.

There may be times where your work hours are longer, in the case of environmental emergencies. Project deadlines could also require you to work extra hours, but these will usually be repaid in lieu, or you may receive additional payment.

Environmental Engineers find job opportunities in the private and public sectors, in companies of all sizes across various executive agencies. Many extensive engineering and construction organizations offer graduate entry schemes.

Environmental Engineers are generally employed by:

• Central Government Departments
• Environment Agencies
• Construction
• Defense
• Energy or Utilities Engineering Companies
• Environmental Consultancies
• Industrial Processing
• Land & Property Development
• Manufacturing & Mining Companies

Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as an Environmental Engineer.

• Task management, audits & inspections, incidents & proactive risk assessment, and metrics
• Includes work in outdoor locations under all kinds of weather conditions
• Legislation, health and safety hurdles

Employers value Environmental Engineers with practical experience. Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs where students gain structured job experience while completing their education. Students can attend engineering summer camps to learn about various engineering disciplines and plan their coursework for the remainder of their time in high school.

Programs for Environmental Engineering include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, and general engineering from an accredited program.

Some colleges and universities offer a five-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s and a master's degree. A degree from an accredited program is usually necessary for a person to become a licensed professional engineer. Students interested in becoming an Environmental Engineer should opt for algebra, trigonometry, and calculus at the earliest possible opportunity.

Entry-level positions as an Environmental Engineer do not require licensure. Accredited institutions in certain locations may offer licenses that allow for higher levels of leadership and independence, to be acquired later in one’s career.

After licensing, Environmental Engineers can earn board certification from professional organizations to prove their expertise in one or more areas of specialization.

As freshly-minted Environmental Engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move on to more complex projects wherein they have greater independence to develop designs, devise solutions, and implement decisions. You may choose to specialize in a particular field of Environmental Engineering, such as land reclamation or pollution control.

Environmental Engineers who have secured a license can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. They may advance to Technical Specialists or Supervisors of a team of engineers and technicians. Some may become Engineering Managers or move into executive positions, such as Program Managers.

With considerable experience, you may be able to work in a freelance capacity, offering your technical skills and knowledge to a range of clients, or start up your own Environmental Engineering consultancy.

A postgraduate degree allows an Environmental Engineer to work as an instructor at some colleges and universities or to do research and development.

Job prospects should be favorable for candidates who obtain a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. Opportunities for Environmental Engineers should be excellent because of the need to replace workers who will be retiring.

Licensed Environmental Engineers take continuing education to keep their licenses. Many organizations offer specialized training, which will be linked to the specific area you have chosen.

Bringing your expertise from the field to the office is a key part of an Environmental Engineer’s role. You will present your ideas and recommendations to clients and other stakeholders. You will travel to the site regularly, which may require early starts or overnight stays.

An increasing focus on environmental management globally means that jobs for Environmental Engineers are readily available globally.

Approximately 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are off.

Environmental Engineers use their imagination and all handy resources to wage war on environmental degradation so that earth remains a place that can still be called home by future generations.

I don’t want to protect the environment. I want to create a world where the environment doesn’t need protection.