What Does an Environmental Engineer Do?

Environmental engineers use knowledge of engineering, soil science, chemistry, and biology to solve problems in the environment. They tackle a variety of issues, and their concerns include pollution control, recycling, and public health issues.

For example, an environmental engineer might work on devising solutions for effective wastewater management. This could include designing systems to treat industrial wastewater, manage municipal water supply, prevent waterborne diseases, and improve the sanitation in cities, recreational areas, and rural locations.

Environmental Engineer Duties & Responsibilities

Some of the duties and responsibilities an environmental engineer might engage in can include the following:

• Make recommendations to maintain and improve environmental performance
• Review environmental regulations, and determine whether they're being applied properly
• Review stormwater management practices for municipal, industrial, and construction stormwater programs
• Create and maintain air quality management systems that comply with air permits and air regulations
• Report environmental incidents to plant management, including mishaps such as internal spills, external releases, potential permit non-compliances, and upcoming regulatory inspections
• Lead or support the preparation and negotiation of various environmental permit applications
• Interface with different regulatory agencies, prepare needed documentation, schedule required testing, and provide any necessary, additional follow-up documentation

Environmental Engineer Salary

An environmental engineer's salary varies based on the area of expertise, level of experience, education, certifications, and other factors.

• Median Annual Salary: $87,620 ($42.13 /hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $137,090 ($65.91/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $53,180 ($25.57/hour)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018

Education, Training & Certification

To become an environmental engineer, you'll need to fulfill a few requirements, including the following:

• Education: You'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. Other acceptable degrees include general, civil, or chemical engineering. Getting a degree from a program accredited by ABET (formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) may increase your chance of getting hired.
• License: Those who offer their services to the public must belicensed as professional engineers (PEs). Individual states issue licenses. You can find specific requirements on theLicensed Occupations Tool from CareerOneStop. Generally, to become licensed, you will have to graduate from an ABET accredited program, pass general engineering and discipline-specific examinations, and get four years of experience.

Environmental Engineer Skills & Competencies

In addition to formal training and a license, certain soft skills, or personal qualities, will allow you to succeed in this occupation:

• Critical Thinking andProblem Solving: You must be able to identify problems and then select the methods that will provide the best chance of solving them.
• Interpersonal Skills: As an environmental engineer, you will have to work alongside colleagues to achieve goals.
• Reading Comprehension: You need the ability to read and understand documentation that is often outside your area of expertise.
• Writing: You will have to be able to compose documentation that others without expertise in engineering will be able to understand.
• Safety mindset: You must have a commitment to workplace safety, sustainability, and environmental compliance.
• Independent worker: A demonstrated ability to follow direction and work independently, as well as, in a team environment and a positiveprofessional attitude will help you excel in this job.
• Computer skills: Knowledge and proficient use of Microsoft Office products is an important requirement.
• Project management skills: You must have good project management skills and be self-motivated.

Job Outlook

Just under 53,800 people are employed in this field. The job outlook is expected to be good between 2016 and 2026. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will grow about 8%, which is about as fast as the projected average of 7% for all occupations, with an estimated 4,800 new jobs added during that time.

Work Environment

Most work for engineering firms; management, scientific and technical consulting firms; local and state governments; and the Federal government. They work in offices or outdoors depending on the project with which they are involved.

Work Schedule

Jobs in this field are usually full-time positions. Approximately 20% of environmental engineers regularly work more than 40 hours per week.

Comparing Similar Jobs

People interested in an environmental engineer career also consider the following career paths, listed with their median annual salaries:

• Environmental Engineering Technician: $50,230
• Environmental Scientist: $69,400
• Biochemical Engineers: $97,250

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018