Environmental Engineer Jobs

Development Sector

The title of “environmental engineer” encompasses a broad range of duties, but in terms of alternative energy production, an environmental engineer’s primary concern is to reduce the harmful effects of energy production on the environment. A significant amount of an environmental engineer’s time is spent conducting research concerning the environmental impact of energy production projects, performing tests and analyzing results.

Some environmental engineers may find themselves working as outside consultants for industries aiming to practice eco-friendly energy production and consumption.

Numerous jobs all dealing with different aspects of energy production and its relation to the environment fall under the umbrella of environmental engineer, and there are also many environmental engineering jobs which have little or nothing to do with green energy. Some jobs available to environmental engineers are found in the oil industry, for example. Though oil itself is not considered a green-friendly energy industry, there has been an overwhelming degree of concern regarding how the harvesting of this energy source can be made less environmentally damaging. These environmental engineers may conduct benchmark analyses and practices oil waste management, for example.

Educational and Training Requirements

Ninety-nine percent of the time environmental engineering requires you to have a bachelor’s in science with a focus on Engineering. Also, many companies or government positions may require you to have specialized experience in the particular industry you are interested in working in. Obtaining a BS can take anywhere from two to five years, though most students complete their courses in four to five years. As with the position of electrical engineer, an environmental engineer must be licensed in order to become a professional engineer.

Once you have graduated, your first step to becoming a professional engineer is to complete the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. After that you can gain work experience as an engineer intern. You must also successfully complete a state examination and have at least four years of relevant work experience. The Principals and Practice of Engineering Exam can then be taken in order to become a professional engineer.

Advancement Opportunities

It is likely that environmental engineers will see more and more jobs available to them in the future as industries are now focusing more strongly on preventing potential harm to the environment as a result of energy production rather than controlling the negative impacts of pre-existing practices. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that from 2006 to 2016, employment in environmental engineering is expected to grow by as much as 25 percent, which is much faster than other engineering jobs.

Environmental Engineer Salaries

As with many engineering jobs, the education required to become a professional engineer can often be rather comprehensive, meaning that an environmental engineer may also be somewhat skilled in geophysics or mechanical engineering. With further education or experience, you may decide to cross over and apply for jobs outside of the traditional realm of environmental engineer.