Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers apply engineering principles to protect human health and the environment. They design, construct, and operate systems that control pollution and protect natural resources. Environmental Engineers work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, consulting firms, and private industry.

Job Responsibilities

Environmental Engineers typically perform the following tasks:

• Design and operate systems to control air, water, and soil pollution
• Develop plans to prevent or mitigate environmental damage
• Conduct environmental impact assessments
• Monitor environmental quality
• Educate the public about environmental issues

Education and Training

Environmental Engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master's degree or doctorate. Environmental Engineers must be licensed in most states.

Career Prospects

The job outlook for Environmental Engineers is expected to be good over the next decade. The demand for Environmental Engineers is expected to grow as the population grows and the need for environmental protection increases.

Transferable Skills

Environmental Engineers develop a variety of skills that can be transferred to other careers. These skills include:

• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Project management
• Teamwork

Day-to-Day

A typical day for an Environmental Engineer may include:

• Meeting with clients to discuss environmental concerns
• Designing and operating systems to control pollution
• Conducting environmental impact assessments
• Monitoring environmental quality
• Writing reports and giving presentations

Challenges

Environmental Engineers face a number of challenges, including:

• The need to stay up-to-date on environmental regulations
• The need to work with a variety of stakeholders
• The need to balance environmental protection with economic development

Projects

Environmental Engineers may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Designing and operating wastewater treatment plants
• Developing air pollution control systems
• Conducting environmental impact assessments for new development projects
• Monitoring environmental quality in response to spills or other environmental incidents

Personal Growth Opportunities

Environmental Engineers have the opportunity to grow their careers in a number of ways. They can advance to management positions, specialize in a particular area of environmental engineering, or become certified in a specific area.

Personality Traits and Personal Interests

Environmental Engineers typically have the following personality traits and personal interests:

• A strong interest in environmental protection
• A desire to make a difference in the world
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in becoming Environmental Engineers can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects include:

• Researching environmental issues
• Volunteering for environmental organizations
• Taking courses in environmental engineering
• Designing and building a small-scale environmental engineering project

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about environmental engineering and prepare for a career in this field. Online courses can provide learners with the opportunity to learn about environmental engineering concepts, principles, and practices. These courses can also help learners develop the skills needed to be successful in this field. Online courses typically include lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs. These learning tools can help learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this field.

Online courses are not enough to follow a path to this career alone. However, they can be a helpful learning tool to bolster the chances of success for entering this career.