Our society wouldn’t be the same without manufacturing and mining; however, these things create a lot of pollution. Environmental engineers, also known as sustainability engineers, are involved in maintaining and updating procedures, improving public health, and improving waste disposal.
When you become a sustainability engineer, you’ll be a part of the clean energy industry. You will work with clients to meet their goals while reducing or eliminating an environmental impact. Learn what an environmental engineer does and what a future in the career might hold.
Environmental engineering integrates science and engineering principles to help improve environmental quality As an environmental engineer, you’ll work to address pressing issues like climate change, pollution, renewable energy, and sustainability If you want to make a positive impact on the planet while enjoying solid job prospects, a career in environmental engineering may be right for you. This guide outlines the key steps to launch your career.
What Does an Environmental Engineer Do?
Environmental engineers tackle complex problems related to human impacts on the environment, Their work aims to
- Prevent and clean up pollution
- Ensure access to clean air and water
- Reclaim contaminated sites
- Advance green engineering and sustainability
- Address climate change through mitigation and adaptation
- Protect public health
Specific responsibilities can include:
- Designing water and wastewater treatment systems
- Developing air pollution control systems
- Performing environmental impact assessments
- Modeling pollution dispersion and environmental processes
- Conducting hazardous waste management
- Implementing environmental regulations and policies
- Researching alternative energy technologies like wind, solar, and geothermal
- Advising corporations and government agencies on sustainability best practices
Environmental engineers typically work on interdisciplinary teams alongside scientists, planners, architects, economists, and other professionals. Strong communication and collaboration abilities are essential.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a closely related field like civil engineering is required to become an environmental engineer. Coursework covers topics like:
- Environmental chemistry
- Fluid mechanics
- Hydrology
- Environmental microbiology
- Air pollution control
- Hazardous waste management
- Water and wastewater treatment
You’ll also take foundational engineering classes in math, physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and more. Programs blend classroom learning with hands-on lab work. Completing internships can provide invaluable experience.
Many environmental engineering graduates continue on to earn a master’s degree or PhD. Advanced degrees open doors to leadership roles and positions in research or academia. They also allow you to specialize in an area like water resources, air quality, or environmental health.
Licensure
Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is recommended but not always required to work as an environmental engineer. Earning a PE license demonstrates proficiency and allows you to take on more responsibility. It also boosts job prospects and salary potential.
To become licensed as a PE, you must:
- Hold an accredited engineering degree
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Gain work experience under a licensed engineer (typically 4 years)
- Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
The FE exam covers engineering fundamentals, while the PE exam focuses on practical applications in environmental engineering. Licensure requirements vary by state, so check with your state’s engineering licensing board.
Key Skills
These important skills will help you succeed as an environmental engineer:
- Analytical skills: Collect, interpret, and analyze environmental data to inform solutions
- Math skills: Apply calculus, statistics, algebra, and other advanced math
- Communication: Present technical data clearly to diverse audiences
- Problem-solving: Identify and implement innovative solutions to complex issues
- Systems thinking: Understand interconnectivity and unintended consequences
- Collaboration: Work effectively across disciplines to achieve shared goals
- Attention to detail: Ensure strict adherence to regulations and design specifications
- Project management: Coordinate and oversee environmental engineering projects
Developing expertise in simulation tools, programming, geospatial analysis, and other technical skills can also boost your capabilities as an engineer.
Where Do Environmental Engineers Work?
Environmental engineers are employed in diverse settings including:
- Engineering, consulting, and construction firms
- Municipal governments
- State and federal agencies like EPA, Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers
- Manufacturing and industrial corporations
- Universities and research institutes
- Nonprofit organizations
- Law firms and insurance companies
You may work onsite at locations in need of remediation or prevention. Office-based positions are also common to design solutions, conduct analyses, manage projects, and prepare proposals and reports. Some travel is often required for site evaluations and onsite supervision.
Environmental Engineering Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $96,400 for environmental engineers as of 2021. Those working in scientific research and development services earned the highest median salary at $107,970.
Your compensation will depend on factors like:
- Years of experience
- Professional licensure
- Industry
- Location
- Leadership roles
With sound technical skills and proven ability to manage complex environmental projects, senior-level environmental engineers can earn $130,000 a year or more.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for environmental engineers is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Growing awareness of environmental issues and need for sustainable practices is driving demand. Stricter air and water quality regulations also require environmental expertise. Roles to remediate existing pollution as well as prevent future damage will be needed.
Professional Organizations
Membership in professional associations allows environmental engineers to stay up to date on trends, best practices, research, and career opportunities. Leading groups include:
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Air and Waste Management Association
- American Society of Civil Engineers Environmental and Water Resources Institute
- Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Students can join associate chapters while in college. Getting involved early allows you to build your professional network and learn about scholarship programs.
Accredited Programs
When evaluating environmental engineering programs, look for accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Graduating from an ABET-accredited program is required to become licensed in most states.
Highly ranked programs known for excellence in environmental engineering include:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Rice University
- Purdue University
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Oregon State University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
Compare programs to find the best match for your goals in terms of specializations offered, research opportunities, and hands-on learning. Large research universities often provide access to cutting-edge facilities and collaborations.
Pursuing a Graduate Degree
A master’s degree in environmental engineering deepens your technical expertise and role in developing solutions. Common focus areas include:
- Environmental health and safety
- Water resources/wastewater management
- Air pollution and air quality
- Environmental sustainability
- Hazardous waste management
- Environmental policy and law
Graduate coursework dives deeper into topics like environmental chemistry, transport phenomena, and hydrology modeling. Programs emphasize research through thesis projects or co-ops.
A PhD further prepares you for leadership roles in research, consulting, or teaching environmental engineering at the university level. Earning a PhD takes an average of 4-6 years beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Funding opportunities like research assistantships and fellowships can help offset the costs of graduate school. Be sure to apply for relevant scholarships.
Getting Hands-On Experience
Gaining real-world experience prior to graduation will equip you with skills and set you apart in the job market. Ways to get hands-on as a student include:
- Engineering internships at companies or government agencies
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Study abroad focused on environmental issues
- Volunteering with environmental nonprofits
- Participating in student chapters of professional associations
- Competing in sustainable engineering design competitions
- Taking on leadership roles in environmentally focused student organizations
Look for opportunities to apply your classroom knowledge to tackle real issues. Being proactive during college builds the expertise and connections to power your environmental engineering career.
Impactful Career Path
With climate change, pollution, and resource depletion threatening the planet, the work of environmental engineers has never been more urgent. Their technical knowledge and skills are absolutely vital for building a sustainable future. If you’re passionate about protecting people and the planet, environmental engineering offers a rewarding career path where you can make a tangible positive impact every day.
What is an Environmental Engineer?
Environmental engineering is the branch of engineering that protects others from harsh environmental effects, such as pollution. This specialist engineer strives for a cleaner environment by using biology, soil science, and chemistry.
Sustainability engineers use chemistry, mathematics, and biology to prevent hazards from impacting the environment. These technicians prepare, update, and maintain environmental investigation reports and plans. They also analyze data, perform inspections, monitor progress, and design projects that aid in protecting the environment. Some are even involved in toxic clean-ups.
Where Do Environmental Engineers Work?
A day in the life of an environmental engineer usually includes being in an office with other engineers. However, they also travel to sites to gather samples. Some research in an industrial plant, while others research in a lab. Needless to say, the sustainability engineer work environment can vary greatly.
Most sustainability engineers work a regular 40-hour week. However, deadlines and projects may bring extra stress, causing some engineers to work more hours. Environmental engineering career paths may lead to employers from different industries including consulting engineering firms, government and regulatory agencies, and non-profit environmental organizations.
Sustainability engineers usually work in offices with other engineers, urban and regional planners, and other business people. They use computers to analyze scientific data and do quality control checks. They are sometimes required to present their findings to higher ups and at conferences.
When working with hazardous materials removal workers, engineers are working at worksites outside. They evaluate an environmental hazard by taking samples and assessing the environment at the worksite. This data is then analyzed back in an office setting.
Everything you need to know about Environmental Engineering: Part 1
How do I become an environmental engineer?
Environmental engineers often earn higher-than-average salaries while protecting the natural environment and the people, animals and plants that rely on it. These skilled professionals need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field. Learn how to become an environmental engineer with our guide.
What is Environmental Engineering?
Environmental engineers use engineering knowledge and tools to solve various environmental problems. A multi-disciplinary STEM field, environmental engineering draws from other branches of engineering and environmental science.
How much do Environmental engineers make a year?
Typically, you’ll need to earn an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, pass the PE exam and gain several years of professional engineering experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that environmental engineers earned a median annual salary of $96,530 as of May 2022.
Is a degree in Environmental Engineering a requirement?
It’s not a requirement to start your career, however, an advanced degree in environmental engineering or in a specialization can open up more job possibilities and higher income potential.
