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Sean
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Clemson, South Carolina
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What is an environmental engineering job like, and will I be able to get a good job with lots of field work compared to office work if I major in Environmental Engineering instead of Environmental Science
I am an upcoming freshman at the University of Florida, and I am planning on majoring in Environmental Science/Biology/Environmental Engineering. I plan on pursuing a master's degree I am looking to have a job that's about half field work and half office-style work. #Spring25
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Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Hey Sean! That’s a great question, and man it’s awesome that you’re already thinking ahead about what kind of balance you want between field and office work.
So, here’s the real deal, environmental engineering can absolutely lead to a career that blends fieldwork with office time. So basically, if you enjoy solving real-world problems, as working on water systems, pollution control, waste management, or restoring natural environments, this major could be a strong fit. Now know that a lot of environmental engineers do on-site inspections, oversee projects in the field (like wastewater treatment plants or contaminated site cleanups), and also come back to the office to analyze data, write reports, design solutions, or model systems using software. You’ll often be collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and even policy teams, so it’s not just isolated lab or desk work.
Now, when you compare this path to environmental science, the key difference is in how hands-on and applied it gets. Environmental science leans more toward data collection, research, and broader ecosystem or climate studies. There’s still fieldwork involved, but it’s often more observational or experimental. With environmental engineering, you're more likely to build, fix, and implement solutions and not just study the issues. That naturally brings more variety in tasks and locations, especially in the public sector, consulting firms, or with government agencies like the EPA.
Since you're aiming for that mix, half field, half office, then know environmental engineering is actually a smart route. Just keep in mind, early in your career, you might spend more time in the office or assisting senior staff, but once you’re more experienced (especially with a master’s degree), you'll likely get more freedom to split your time. Look out for internships with companies that do environmental consulting or infrastructure projects, that's where you'll find the real blend of mud boots and spreadsheets.
And one last tip buddy, talk to professors, upperclassmen, and people already working in the field. Ask them what a day in their life looks like. That kind of honest, firsthand info helps a lot when you’re choosing between paths that *sound* similar.
You’ve got a solid plan brewing already. Keep asking these questions, it’s how you build a career you actually enjoy. And if you got anything you need along the way, feel free to reach out to us anytime bud.
So, here’s the real deal, environmental engineering can absolutely lead to a career that blends fieldwork with office time. So basically, if you enjoy solving real-world problems, as working on water systems, pollution control, waste management, or restoring natural environments, this major could be a strong fit. Now know that a lot of environmental engineers do on-site inspections, oversee projects in the field (like wastewater treatment plants or contaminated site cleanups), and also come back to the office to analyze data, write reports, design solutions, or model systems using software. You’ll often be collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and even policy teams, so it’s not just isolated lab or desk work.
Now, when you compare this path to environmental science, the key difference is in how hands-on and applied it gets. Environmental science leans more toward data collection, research, and broader ecosystem or climate studies. There’s still fieldwork involved, but it’s often more observational or experimental. With environmental engineering, you're more likely to build, fix, and implement solutions and not just study the issues. That naturally brings more variety in tasks and locations, especially in the public sector, consulting firms, or with government agencies like the EPA.
Since you're aiming for that mix, half field, half office, then know environmental engineering is actually a smart route. Just keep in mind, early in your career, you might spend more time in the office or assisting senior staff, but once you’re more experienced (especially with a master’s degree), you'll likely get more freedom to split your time. Look out for internships with companies that do environmental consulting or infrastructure projects, that's where you'll find the real blend of mud boots and spreadsheets.
And one last tip buddy, talk to professors, upperclassmen, and people already working in the field. Ask them what a day in their life looks like. That kind of honest, firsthand info helps a lot when you’re choosing between paths that *sound* similar.
You’ve got a solid plan brewing already. Keep asking these questions, it’s how you build a career you actually enjoy. And if you got anything you need along the way, feel free to reach out to us anytime bud.