Consulting Jobs

How To Get A Job As An Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers deal with hazards, present or potential, that are related to the environment.   As many health hazards such as acid rain, automobile emissions, ozone depletion, and global warming have their roots in countries throughout the world, Environmental Engineers are concerned with world-wide, as well as local issues.  Environmental Engineers are concerned with both public health, and the health of the planet.

If you want to get a job as an Environmental Engineer, you need not only the right education, but the right personality and skills as well.  You must be knowledgeable, detail-oriented, curious, practical, creative, and able to work well as part of a team.  You must have excellent communication skills, excellent analytical skills, and good oral and written skills.  You must be skilled with the use of computers.  You must be observant, a good listener, and a good leader.  You must be a tireless worker and able to withstand pressure.

Environmental Engineers often work regular forty hour weeks, but may also be required to work overtime as situations demand.  These Engineers may work in offices, laboratories, and construction sites.  They may be employed by private enterprise, or by government agencies.  They may be privately employed as consultants.  They may work both indoors and out, often in remote areas.

Skilled Environmental Engineers are in high demand, and are well paid for their expertise.

If you get a job as an Environmental Engineer, you may have many duties, depending on your special skills, education, and place of employment.  Environmental Engineers deal with existing and potential health hazards to air, water, and soil, which are precipitated by a variety of pollutants, both local and international.   Problems may be reported or just suspected.   It is the job of these Engineers to first investigate, evaluating the cause and extent of the hazard, and then using a variety of engineering disciplines, control and remedy the problem.

Environmental Engineers may be involved in the treatment and disposal of waste and hazardous materials,  designing and developing materials, equipment, and methods to deal with or, if possible, prevent all hazards to health.  They may be involved in protection of wildlife, the clean-up of hazardous spills, emission controls, management of natural resources, investigation of the environmental impact of constructions, and the collection and analysis of pertinent data.  Some Environmental Engineers are employed in research and some teach.

Education

Those who wish to get jobs as Environmental Engineers will start by obtaining a high school diploma.  Courses to take in high school include English, chemistry and physics, botany and zoology, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and computer technology.  Good grades are important for those who wish to succeed in the engineering field.

After obtaining a high school diploma, it is necessary to get a university degree.   The minimum requirement for entry level positions as Environmental Engineers is a bachelor’s degree with a major in engineering.  For those wishing to advance in the field at least a master’s degree is essential.  Those seeking positions in research would be wise to get their doctorate.

If you wish to get a job as an Environmental Engineer, you must be prepared to continue your education throughout life in order to keep up with changes in technology and methodology.

Virtually all states require that their engineers are licensed.  Licensing requires four years of training in an accredited program, a period of experience, and the completion of a state exam.  Requirements may vary so check what is needed in the state in which you wish to practice.

For those who wish to advance to senior positions, certification is necessary.  For information on certification as well as other issues affecting Environmental Engineers, check with the of the American Academy Of Environmental Engineers.