Environmental Engineering: What to Expect in a Career

In 1850s London the amount of human waste flowing through the streets unchecked caused widespread illness and death, not to mention unpleasant living conditions. The smell in the city was so bad that the incident came to be called the ''Great Stink,'' and by the end of the decade an engineer named Joseph Bazalgette was commissioned to implement a new, safer, and cleaner sewage system — an act which some consider the first instance of environmental engineering.

Environmental engineering, the sector of engineering concerned with the protection of public health through preservation of the natural environment, developed first under civil and chemical engineering. But environmental engineering is gaining more and more legitimacy as an engineering specialty in its own right rather than as a sub-specialty of civil engineers. In fact, many degree programs are headed under the joint title of ''Civil and Environmental Engineering.'' Most environmental engineers further focus their expertise and efforts in areas of the field which include air pollution control, hazardous waste management, toxic materials control, industrial hygiene, radiation protection, solid waste management, and water supply and wastewater.

The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that environmental engineering is the fastest-growing sector in the engineering industry, with other sectors’ growth remaining average in comparison to the job market at large. That being said, it is important to know what is expected, as well as what to expect, in order to have a successful career in environmental engineering, or any field for that matter.

Education and Degree Requirements

In order to become an environmental engineer, a bachelor’s degree in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering is required. Further education and training in order to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree is preferred by employers but not required. In addition, environmental engineers can attain licensure as professional engineers (PEs) as well as specialty certification. The American Academy of Environmental Engineers awards the certification titles Board Certified Environmental Engineer and Board Certified Environmental Engineering Member.

Not Just Math and Science

It may seem that the work of an environmental engineer is all sample-taking and calculations, but a word of advice: communication, both verbal and written, is an integral part of this career. If you are an environmental engineer, written reports are required regularly. It is also necessary to speak with clients and coworkers quite frequently, as key components of the job are listening to the customer’s needs and presenting technical information in a clear and concise manner.

The Job Market: Entry and Staying Power

In today’s job market the environmental sector is promising. With issues of global warming and renewable resources dominating the collective consciousness of the nation, it is no wonder environmentally focused jobs are popping up in every industry. Environmental engineers can work in fields ranging from agriculture to law to land planning.

Various sources, including the Department of Labor, report the job outlook for environmental engineers as good, with a fair amount of job security. The number of students and graduates entering the field, however, has increased along with the demand for workers. Considering this, it is important for environmental engineers to stay updated so as to ensure their own staying power in the field.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average starting salary for an environmental engineer with a bachelor’s degree as $47,960. With more experience and higher degrees, there is a chance for higher pay. According to an article from NWjobs, the average salary for all environmental engineers, entry-level and not, is $61,631.

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Environmental Engineering: What to Expect in a Career