Environmental Engineer Career

An environmental engineer career is unique and special because it paves the way for cleaner water, air, and land so that human beings, plants, animals, and microorganisms can thrive. If you are curious about this occupation or are considering this career for your future, then this article will be able to provide some helpful insight.

What is an Environmental Engineer?

An environmental engineer designs water supply and water treatment systems, and at the same time, studies various types of pollutions and implements different ways to reduce or prohibit the relevant causes. Environmental engineers are often further classified as environmental “civil” engineers and environmental “chemical” engineers. The former focuses on water resources management, hydrology, and treatment systems, while the latter focuses on technologies and processes for environmental, air, and water treatments.

Environmental Engineer Job Duties

When planning to start an environmental engineer career, people should know and be familiar with the different duties that this profession entails. He or she will be tasked to study waste management; give advice to private and government agencies regarding waste hazards as well as their proper treatment and containment; design treatment systems for municipal water supply and industrial wastewater; and they also devise ways to protect wildlife. These are just some of the main duties as well as responsibilities of an environmental engineer.

Environmental Engineer Skills

Aside from possessing the knowledge and skills specific to environmental engineering, it is important for anyone who wants to work in this field to have a genuine desire to help save and protect the environment. Moreover, good problem-solving skills are necessary since environmental engineers are often faced with challenges in their day-to-day work. Initiative, effective verbal and written communication skills, and positive attitude are among the needed skills and qualities for this profession.

Environmental Engineer Education

Just like other engineering jobs, in order to qualify as an environmental engineer, a person must take a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in engineering. Although not always the case, there are companies that require an applicant to have a major in environmental engineering. People who are already working in this occupation also find the need to continue education, especially in regards to related majors, in order to boost their careers.

Environmental Engineer Salary

For those interested in an environmental engineer career, it is worth noting that the compensation is quite good. About 10% of environmental engineers are paid $45,310 annually however the top-most 10% are paid as much as $115,430. The median average income is $74,020, which is among the better paying rate for people who hold Bachelor’s degrees and hold the relevant experience.

Environmental Engineer Job Outlook

The future of environmental engineers is very stable. With globalization and the need to introduce new technologies and expand businesses around the world, there will be a huge demand for professions that can help counter the damage done to the environment. The projected growth for this profession is staggeringly high at 31% and this could only mean better job opportunities.

An environmental engineer holds an important role when it comes to saving the world from the damage that can be attributed to human activities and external factors. What’s even more enticing is the fact that this job also pays well. With a projected 31% growth, people who plan to study and work as an environmental engineer are likely to have made a sound and moral decision.