Environmental Engineer Career Guide

What is an environmental engineer?

Environmental engineers are experts who use science and creative thinking to solve problems with our environment. They focus on making our air and water cleaner and managing waste better to keep us healthy and help our planet. These engineers know a lot about how to solve tough environmental issues, and their work is key to building a better future.

Duties and responsibilities

Environmental engineers design ways to manage waste, clean up water, and reduce air pollution. They study environmental problems, write reports on their findings, and come up with smart ways to fix these issues. They make sure all their projects follow the law and often come up with new ideas and tech to make the environment better.

They work on various projects like setting up places for safe waste disposal, designing systems to reuse water, and studying how building new things can affect the environment. They work together with other experts like scientists and city planners to tackle big environmental challenges.

Work environment

Environmental engineers work in different places like companies, government offices, or nonprofits. They might spend time in an office, go out to check on factories, manage waste facilities, or do tests outside in nature. They often work with other people and have to make sure everyone’s on the same page.

Typical work hours

Environmental engineers usually work 40 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. Sometimes, they might need to work extra hours or travel because of tight deadlines, unexpected problems, or emergency fieldwork. How flexible their job is can depend on where they work and what the job needs.

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How to become an environmental engineer

Becoming an environmental engineer means you need to learn a lot about science and engineering, get hands-on experience, and sharpen your problem-solving skills. Here’s how you can start this exciting career:

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

Start by getting a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a similar area like civil or chemical engineering. Your studies will cover important topics like chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering basics. You’ll also learn about environmental science and how to design projects that help the planet.

Step 2: Gain real experience

It’s important to get out there and try what you’ve learned. Look for internships or programs at your school where you can work on actual projects. This is your chance to see what environmental engineers do every day and learn from pros in the field.

Step 3: Get licensed

If you want to work as an environmental engineer in the U.S., you need to be licensed. This means you’ll need a degree from an approved program, about four years of job experience, and passing scores on two important tests—the FE and the PE exams.

Step 4: Build your skills

As an engineer, you need to be great at analyzing problems and finding solutions. You can improve these skills by working on tough projects, joining engineering contests, or taking special courses focused on critical thinking.

Here are some of the courses we recommend:

• Emmy Award-winning science educator Bill Nye Teaches his methods for solving everyday problems, evaluating information, and thinking like a scientist. 
• With Coursera’s Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making course, you will gain confidence in assessing problems and selecting the appropriate approaches for implementation. 

Step 5: Consider further education or certifications (optional)

Some engineers go back to school for a master’s degree or get extra certifications to boost their careers. These steps are optional but can help you stand out and learn even more.

Enrolling in online courses is another great option to further your knowledge. Here are some examples:

• Coursera’s Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contaminants: New Paradigms, Technologies, and Applications
• Coursera’s Introduction to Environmental Science Specialization
• Udemy’s Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

Step 6: Start applying for jobs

With your education, license, and skills ready, you can start applying for environmental engineer jobs. Make sure your resume talks about your engineering skills and any projects you’ve worked on. Practice for interviews, and use your school’s alumni network or professional groups to find job openings.

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How much do environmental engineers make?

The salary of an environmental engineer can vary significantly based on several factors, including geographical location, level of education, work experience, specialty within the field, industry of employment, and company size.

Highest paying industries

Browse environmental engineer salary data by market

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Types of environmental engineers

Environmental engineers can specialize in different areas, depending on what they’re passionate about and where they want to make a difference. Here are some of the cool jobs they can do:

Water and wastewater engineer

These engineers make sure our drinking water is clean and safe. They also take care of the dirty water from our homes and factories, cleaning it before it goes back to nature.

Air quality engineer

Air quality engineers help keep the air we breathe clean. They work on solutions to reduce air pollution from factories and help cities have cleaner air.

Soil and groundwater engineer

These engineers focus on keeping the ground and water under our feet clean. They work on cleaning up polluted land and preventing harmful chemicals from getting into our soil and water.

Ecological engineer

Ecological engineers design ways to help damaged natural areas heal and thrive again. They might work on bringing back healthy forests, creating wetlands, or designing farms that are good for nature.

Sustainability engineer

Sustainability engineers work on projects that help our planet, like developing renewable energy or designing buildings that don’t harm the environment. They focus on making everything more eco-friendly.

Environmental health and safety engineer

These engineers make sure that workplaces are safe for people and do not harm the environment. They are important in industries like manufacturing and construction, where they help avoid accidents and keep everything running safely.

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Top skills for environmental engineers

If you’re thinking about becoming an environmental engineer, here are some important skills you’ll need to be successful:

Problem-solving

They need to be great at looking at data, spotting problems, and coming up with smart, budget-friendly solutions. Being a good problem solver helps them find new and better ways to take care of our planet.

Project management

These engineers have to plan everything carefully, work with different teams, and solve problems quickly to make sure everything is done right and on time. Good project management means knowing how to organize people and resources to achieve the best results.

Knowledge of environmental science

Understanding the science behind the environment is crucial., including knowing a lot about biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as the rules and regulations that help protect our environment. This knowledge helps environmental engineers design systems and strategies to manage waste and control pollution effectively.

Communication

They must explain complex ideas in a way that everyone can understand, whether talking to other engineers, government officials, or just the public. Good communication helps make sure everyone knows what’s going on and can work together effectively.

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Environmental engineer career path

If you’re working as an environmental engineer, you have several exciting options:

Starting out

When you first become an environmental engineer, you might start in roles like engineer-in-training or assistant engineer. This is where you use what you learned in school in real-life projects. You’ll work under experienced engineers who will help you learn the ropes.

Moving up

As you get more experience, you’ll handle bigger projects that aim to protect the environment, manage waste, clean water, and reduce air pollution. You might become a project engineer or project manager, where you’ll oversee large projects and work with teams from different areas.

Specializing

You can choose to specialize in specific areas like managing hazardous waste, building sustainable structures, or managing water resources. This can lead you to become a senior engineer or a technical specialist, where you focus more deeply on these areas.

Leadership roles

With lots of experience and a track record of managing successful projects, you could move up to top jobs like principal engineer, head of a department, or director of engineering. Some engineers also become consultants, giving advice on environmental rules and green practices.

Getting licensed and further education

Getting a professional engineer (PE) license and maybe even a master’s degree or a Ph.D. can help you move up in your career. Special certifications, like the BCEE, show that you’re really good in your field.

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Similar job titles

• Chemical Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Environmental Field Technician
• Environmental Scientist
• Geotechnical Engineer
• GIS Specialist
• Marine Biologist
• Soil Technician

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Position trends and outlook for environmental engineers

• Advanced tech: Environmental engineers are using cool tech like GIS (geographic information systems), remote sensing, and data analytics to manage and improve their projects. These tools help them make more accurate assessments and find better solutions for environmental problems.
• Going green: Also, as more people and companies want to build green and sustainable buildings, there’s a growing need for these engineers. They help ensure that these projects meet environmental standards and are designed to reduce harm to our planet.

Employment projections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for environmental engineers are expected to grow by 4% through 2031, which is about average compared to other jobs. This growth is mainly because companies need to follow environmental laws more strictly and find ways to clean up pollution. Also, as everyone starts to focus more on sustainability and clean energy, they will be crucial in making these projects successful.

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Environmental engineer career tips

Stay up-to-date on rules

Environmental laws change often, so it’s important to keep up with the latest updates. This will help you design projects that are not only good for the environment but also follow the law. You can do this by reading about new laws, attending workshops, and joining seminars.

Learn to use cool tools

You’ll use special software like AutoCAD, MATLAB, and GIS to plan and improve your projects. Try to learn these programs and practice using them to become better at your job.

Keep an eye on trends

Sustainability is a big deal these days, and it’s important to know the latest trends and technologies that help protect our planet. Watch webinars, read journals, and follow experts on social media to stay informed.

Build your network

Knowing other professionals can help you learn new things, find job opportunities, and come up with innovative ideas. Join groups like:

• American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES)
• Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Never stop learning

The world of environmental engineering is always evolving, so continuous learning is key. You might consider getting a higher degree, earning special certifications, or going to industry conferences to learn more about topics like renewable energy or climate change.

Work with others

Environmental problems are complex and can often be better solved by working with experts from different fields like chemistry or policy. Look for chances to work with others to get new perspectives and come up with better solutions.

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