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Environmental Engineers

Overview

Environmental engineers combine science and engineering to solve environmental challenges like pollution and climate change. They design systems for clean water, waste management, and air quality control while ensuring companies and governments follow environmental rules. Using advanced technology and data analysis, they work in teams to create sustainable solutions that protect both people and the planet. This career path typically requires an engineering degree and offers opportunities to work in offices, laboratories, and field sites.
Environmental Engineers

Did you know?

Obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly valued and often required for senior positions and independent consulting work in environmental engineering.

At a Glance

Median Wage

$100,066.67 Avg/yr

Growth

Fast Growing

Top Skill

Judgment and Decision Making

Key Responsibilities

  • Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.
  • Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.
  • Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
  • Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.
  • Attend professional conferences to share information.
  • Provide assistance with planning, quality assurance, safety inspection protocols, or sampling as part of a team conducting multimedia inspections at complex facilities.
  • Request bids from suppliers or consultants.
  • Provide environmental engineering assistance in network analysis, regulatory analysis, or planning or reviewing database development.
  • Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
  • Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
  • Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Provide administrative support for projects by collecting data, providing project documentation, training staff, or performing other general administrative duties.
  • Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.
  • Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
  • Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
  • Write reports or articles for Web sites or newsletters related to environmental engineering issues.
  • Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
  • Assess, sort, characterize, or pack known or unknown materials.
  • Prepare hazardous waste manifests or land disposal restriction notifications.
  • Assist in budget implementation, forecasts, or administration.
  • Develop or present environmental compliance training or orientation sessions.
  • Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
  • Develop, implement, or manage plans or programs related to conservation or management of natural resources.
  • Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
  • Coordinate or manage environmental protection programs or projects, assigning or evaluating work.
  • Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
  • Inform company employees or other interested parties of environmental issues.
  • Prepare or present public briefings on the status of environmental engineering projects.
  • Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.

Career Considerations

Professional Engineering License

Obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly valued and often required for senior positions and independent consulting work in environmental engineering.

Federal and State Regulatory Knowledge

Deep understanding of US environmental regulations such as EPA standards, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act is essential for compliance and project success.

Growing Market Demand

The field is experiencing strong growth due to increased focus on sustainability, climate change mitigation, and stricter environmental regulations across industries.

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BETA
New York

25 Kent Ave, Suite 401
Brooklyn, NY
11249


North Carolina

204 N Person
Street. Raleigh, NC
27601

Australia

Level 4/80
Wentworth Ave,
Surry Hills,
Sydney, 2010