Job sector overview: environmental engineering
As part of our ongoing review of green job opportunities by sector, we’re focusing today on environmental engineering. This is a broad sector, ranging from companies that specialize in environmental impact statements, to companies working on recycling, and beyond.
Environmental engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to improve the environment (air, water, and/or land resources), to provide healthy water, air, and land for human habitation and for other organisms, and to remediate polluted sites.
Here are some of the positions you’ll find in this sector:
- water and wastewater engineer
- environmental and safety manager
- air quality engineer
- hazardous waste engineer
- solid waste manager
- civil engineers
- sanitary engineers
- industrial hygienist
- laboratory analyst
- land management specialist
Potential employers include private consulting engineering firms, all types of government (local, state, federal), universities, corporations, and testing laboratories. Demand for most environmental engineering positions has consistently outstripped demand for the past several decades.
How to start? For all positions, you need a B.S. in engineering - usually civil, chemical, mechanical, or environmental. Many employers prefer a M.S. in environmental engineering. A big plus is strong communication skills, as many environmental engineering positions require interaction with non-engineers.
A good place to start looking for your environmental engineering position, of course, is on Great Green Careers. Also check local, state, and federal job listings. Good luck!