4 answers
May
Student
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
1393 views
What would be the best parts of being an environmental engineer? What exactly do they do?
Currently a college sophomore and exploring environmental engineering related fields I could go into.
Login to comment
4 answers
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi May,
Environmental engineering is a field of engineering that works to:
1) Protect human life
2) Protect ecosystems
3) Enhance the quality of life through environmental interventions.
The course overlaps both civil and chemical engineering and uses knowledge of biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, mathematics and microbiology to improve the quality of the environment and the health of living creatures and organisms. The aim of the profession is to prevent harmful biological and chemical pollutants from being released into the air, soil or water. This requires good understanding of the biological and chemical components of potential contaminants and knowledge of agricultural or industrial processes that could contribute to their release into the environment. This knowledge allows for processes to be developed or altered to reduce or eliminate the release of these pollutants.
Environmental engineers work in agriculture, industry, for government agencies or as Consultants.
Their responsibilities include:
a) Undertaking site assessments
b) Carrying out technical audits
c) Evaluation of environmental impacts
d) Recommending solutions for site clean-ups, reclamation, or waste management
e) Assessing compliance with environmental regulations
f) Forecasting & assessing environmental problems with computer modeling and mathematics
g) Data management and interpretation
h) Maintaining & managing plans, permits, regulations and standard operating procedures
A bachelor's degree is required as a minimum qualification.
Among the areas of interest to environmental engineers are wastewater treatment, air & water pollution control, waste disposal, recycling and public health.
Environmental engineering is a field of engineering that works to:
1) Protect human life
2) Protect ecosystems
3) Enhance the quality of life through environmental interventions.
The course overlaps both civil and chemical engineering and uses knowledge of biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, mathematics and microbiology to improve the quality of the environment and the health of living creatures and organisms. The aim of the profession is to prevent harmful biological and chemical pollutants from being released into the air, soil or water. This requires good understanding of the biological and chemical components of potential contaminants and knowledge of agricultural or industrial processes that could contribute to their release into the environment. This knowledge allows for processes to be developed or altered to reduce or eliminate the release of these pollutants.
Environmental engineers work in agriculture, industry, for government agencies or as Consultants.
Their responsibilities include:
a) Undertaking site assessments
b) Carrying out technical audits
c) Evaluation of environmental impacts
d) Recommending solutions for site clean-ups, reclamation, or waste management
e) Assessing compliance with environmental regulations
f) Forecasting & assessing environmental problems with computer modeling and mathematics
g) Data management and interpretation
h) Maintaining & managing plans, permits, regulations and standard operating procedures
A bachelor's degree is required as a minimum qualification.
Among the areas of interest to environmental engineers are wastewater treatment, air & water pollution control, waste disposal, recycling and public health.
Donald Windeler
Engineer
17
Answers
Rockwood, Michigan
Updated
Donald’s Answer
The description by Karin P. is through and her recommendations are excellent. In my 35 years in industry as an environmental engineer and engineering manager, I found that management and coworkers were generally very supportive, and it was rewarding to know I could help my employers find ways to operate while reducing pollution.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1092
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi May,
Environmental engineers use science and engineering to protect the environment by either preventing and controlling environmental hazards or "cleaning up", i.e. working to remedy contaminated environments.
To become an environmental engineer you would need a bachelors degree for entry level positions or a masters.
The best part is that you can help protect the environment. Also, that it's a very interdisciplinary degree with lots of specialties and different types of job opportunities.
I left a couple of links to more information for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-an-environmental-engineer
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/environmental-engineering-rankings
Environmental engineers use science and engineering to protect the environment by either preventing and controlling environmental hazards or "cleaning up", i.e. working to remedy contaminated environments.
To become an environmental engineer you would need a bachelors degree for entry level positions or a masters.
The best part is that you can help protect the environment. Also, that it's a very interdisciplinary degree with lots of specialties and different types of job opportunities.
I left a couple of links to more information for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey May!
So you’re exploring environmental engineering lemme say that's a solid choice May. It's a field that combines science, sustainability, and practical problem-solving to make a real difference in the world. I am gonna give you a quick breakdown of what makes it amazing and what environmental engineers actually do.
Firstly, What Environmental Engineers Do...
1. One of the biggest parts of environmental engineering is designing systems to treat and manage waste—think water purification systems, air quality improvements, and waste disposal solutions. You could be working on creating new technologies to reduce pollution or designing green buildings with sustainable energy systems.
2. Environmental engineers often work on projects that promote sustainability, like renewable energy solutions (solar, wind, etc.), energy-efficient buildings, or sustainable agriculture practices. You're essentially helping reduce the negative impact of human activities on the planet.
3. You’d also spend a lot of time conducting environmental assessments—figuring out how new projects, like construction or industrial work, might affect the environment, and finding ways to mitigate those impacts. You’ll analyze water, air, and soil to ensure everything meets environmental standards.
4. Some projects involve cleaning up pollution from industrial sites, oil spills, or other contaminants. Environmental engineers often help design processes to restore ecosystems, making them safe again for wildlife and communities.
5. In some cases, environmental engineers might work alongside lawmakers and regulatory bodies, ensuring that industries comply with environmental laws. They help shape policies that protect the environment by providing technical expertise and data to guide decisions.
The Best Parts of Being an Environmental Engineer I can tell you from some views and of my own which I have encountered.
1. The work is incredibly rewarding because you know your efforts are helping the planet and future generations. Tackling real-world problems like climate change and pollution gives you the chance to leave a lasting legacy.
2. Environmental engineering offers a wide range of opportunities. You could work in consulting, government agencies, private industries, or even NGOs. You could specialize in water resources, waste management, air quality, or renewable energy.
3. Environmental engineers are often at the forefront of innovation, working with new materials, technologies, and techniques to solve environmental problems. If you're the kind of person who loves to problem-solve and come up with creative solutions, this could be super satisfying.
4. This field often involves working with other engineers, scientists, policymakers, and communities. If you enjoy teamwork and collective problem-solving, this career is great for you!
All in all, environmental engineering is a fantastic field to enter if you’re passionate about creating solutions for a better, more sustainable future. Plus, it’s a perfect blend of science, technology, and activism so if you like it and you see yourself into it then you know the answer.
Since environmental engineering is so broad, start thinking about which area excites you the most. Do you like the idea of working on renewable energy? Or maybe managing waste or water resources? Knowing this can help guide your studies.
Get hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work with organizations focused on sustainability or environmental protection. This will help you connect theory to real-world application.
This is a rapidly changing field, so stay informed on the latest environmental issues and technologies. It’ll give you an edge as you move forward in your studies and career.
So you’re exploring environmental engineering lemme say that's a solid choice May. It's a field that combines science, sustainability, and practical problem-solving to make a real difference in the world. I am gonna give you a quick breakdown of what makes it amazing and what environmental engineers actually do.
Firstly, What Environmental Engineers Do...
1. One of the biggest parts of environmental engineering is designing systems to treat and manage waste—think water purification systems, air quality improvements, and waste disposal solutions. You could be working on creating new technologies to reduce pollution or designing green buildings with sustainable energy systems.
2. Environmental engineers often work on projects that promote sustainability, like renewable energy solutions (solar, wind, etc.), energy-efficient buildings, or sustainable agriculture practices. You're essentially helping reduce the negative impact of human activities on the planet.
3. You’d also spend a lot of time conducting environmental assessments—figuring out how new projects, like construction or industrial work, might affect the environment, and finding ways to mitigate those impacts. You’ll analyze water, air, and soil to ensure everything meets environmental standards.
4. Some projects involve cleaning up pollution from industrial sites, oil spills, or other contaminants. Environmental engineers often help design processes to restore ecosystems, making them safe again for wildlife and communities.
5. In some cases, environmental engineers might work alongside lawmakers and regulatory bodies, ensuring that industries comply with environmental laws. They help shape policies that protect the environment by providing technical expertise and data to guide decisions.
The Best Parts of Being an Environmental Engineer I can tell you from some views and of my own which I have encountered.
1. The work is incredibly rewarding because you know your efforts are helping the planet and future generations. Tackling real-world problems like climate change and pollution gives you the chance to leave a lasting legacy.
2. Environmental engineering offers a wide range of opportunities. You could work in consulting, government agencies, private industries, or even NGOs. You could specialize in water resources, waste management, air quality, or renewable energy.
3. Environmental engineers are often at the forefront of innovation, working with new materials, technologies, and techniques to solve environmental problems. If you're the kind of person who loves to problem-solve and come up with creative solutions, this could be super satisfying.
4. This field often involves working with other engineers, scientists, policymakers, and communities. If you enjoy teamwork and collective problem-solving, this career is great for you!
All in all, environmental engineering is a fantastic field to enter if you’re passionate about creating solutions for a better, more sustainable future. Plus, it’s a perfect blend of science, technology, and activism so if you like it and you see yourself into it then you know the answer.
Dr recommends the following next steps: