Environmental Engineer

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Nature of the Work
Job Outlook
Related Occupations
Required Degrees

Nature of the Work

Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems.
Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.
Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. This process applies to the development of many different products, such as chemicals, computers, power-plants, helicopters, and toys.
In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance.
These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality.
They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects.
Supervisory engineers are responsible for major components or entire projects.
Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a machine, structure, or system operates; to generate specifications for parts; to monitor the quality of products; and to control the efficiency of processes.
Nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and molecules, also is introducing entirely new principles to the design process.
Most engineers specialize; one of which is Environmental engineer.
Environmental engineers use the principles of biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.
- They are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues.
- Environmental engineers conduct hazardous-waste management studies in which they evaluate the significance of the hazard, advise on its treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps.
- They design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems, conduct research on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects, analyze scientific data, and perform quality-control checks.
- Environmental engineers are concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues.
- Some may study and attempt to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion.
- They also may be involved in the protection of wildlife.
- Many environmental engineers work as consultants, helping their clients to comply with regulations, prevent environmental damage, and clean up hazardous sites.

Job Outlook

It is important for engineers, as it is for workers in other technical and scientific occupations, to continue their education throughout their careers, because much of their value to their employer depends on their knowledge of the latest technology.
Engineers in high-technology areas, such as biotechnology or information technology, may find that their technical knowledge will become outdated rapidly.
By keeping current in their field, engineers will be able to deliver the best solutions and greatest value to their employers.
Engineers who have not kept current in their field may find themselves at a disadvantage when seeking promotions or during layoffs.
More environmental engineers will be needed to help companies comply with environmental regulations and to develop methods of cleaning up environmental hazards.
A shift in emphasis toward preventing problems rather than controlling those which already exist, as well as increasing public health concerns resulting from population growth, also are expected to spur demand for environmental engineers. Because of this employment growth, job opportunities should be favorable.

Related Occupations

Engineers apply the principles of natural science and mathematics in their work. Other workers who use scientific and mathematical principles include the following:

Agricultural and Food Scientists
Architects
Atmospheric Scientists
Biological scientists
Chemists and materials scientists
Computer and information systems manager
Computer scientists
Computer software engineers and computer programmers
Drafter
Engineering and natural sciences managers
Engineering technicians
Environment scientists and specialists
Geoscientists and hydrologists
Mathematicians
Physicists and astronomers
Sales engineers
Science technicians

Required Degrees

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering

This career information is drawn from data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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