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

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Environmental Engineers.

More Architecture and Engineering Careers

  • Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
  • Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
  • Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.
  • Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.
  • 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.
  • Provide assistance with planning, quality assurance, safety inspection protocols, or sampling as part of a team conducting multimedia inspections at complex facilities.
  • Prepare or present public briefings on the status of environmental engineering projects.
  • 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.
  • Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.
  • Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
  • Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
  • Prepare hazardous waste manifests or land disposal restriction notifications.
  • 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.
  • Inform company employees or other interested parties of environmental issues.
  • Develop or present environmental compliance training or orientation sessions.
  • 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.

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Environmental Engineers.

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