Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers investigate issues within the environment and design solutions in areas such as water, air pollution and waste management. Additionally, they use scientific data to analyze naturally occurring environmental weather patterns and make recommendations for preserving habitats. They also provide training to fellow employees on environmental compliance practices.
Future Job Market
-
Fair
-
Good
-
Excellent
Typical Employers:
Environmental engineers are typically employed by plant research companies, food science companies, governmental organizations, schools, colleges, universities and environmental organizations.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- Association of Environmental Engineers & Scientists
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers
- Association of Environmental Engineering Students
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Salary:
$75,000?
SAE Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Determine if industrial sites are following environmental regulations
- Develop recommendations and regulations to prevent future issues with environmental pollution
- Collect and analyze scientific data using statistical methods and specialized computer software
- Create presentations and environmental reports that are reported to company decision makers
- Investigate environmental noncompliance and create action plans to address any issues
- Provide technical support in day-to-day operations of food, ethanol, oil and feed production
- Design systems, processes and equipment for industrial and agricultural processes to reduce air, water and soil pollution
- Stay up to date on environmental improvement programs and new technologies
- Create company environmental management system and protocols
- Obtain, update and maintain environmental plans, permits and standard operating procedures
- Read and analyze topographical and geological data
- Work with lawyers and other professionals to understand documents
- Implement company-wide priorities for environmental stewardship
- Monitor the process of environmental improvement programs
- Train fellow employees on environmental compliance practices
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- earth science
- biology
- plant science
- chemistry
- environmental science
- biology
- statistics
- mathematics
Education/Training Required:
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural, civil, environmental or chemical engineering is required to be an environmental engineer.
