Environmental Engineers

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Median Annual Wage: $83,360

Education: Master's degree (48%); Bachelor's degree (41%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (7%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Environmental Engineer; Sanitary Engineer; Environmental Analyst; Hazardous Substances Engineer; Regulatory Environmental Compliance Manager; Environmental Remediation Specialist; Air Pollution Control Engineer; Marine Engineer CPVEC (Marine Engineer Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance); Global Director Air and Climate Change; Chief, Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Environmental Engineers.

More Architecture and Engineering Careers

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

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Environmental Engineers.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Environmental Engineers.

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