3 answers
Jeremy
Student
Delavan, Wisconsin
2
Questions
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What does the a day in the life of an environmental engineer look like?
How does a normal day look for an environmental engineer?
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3 answers
Cory Yeager
30
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
As another civil my answer will fall in line to the other civil engineer response;
I would not consider this a day to day account but in my experience working with environmental engineers outside of research, health environmental, etc… and those supporting infrastructure development are they to represent public interest in environmental (manmade and natural) preservation.
Early on I project development this comes in the form of attending scoping meeting to identify environmental hazards and impacts for the purpose of costing mitigations.
Then as a project approaches 30% the work transforms into coordinating with environmental regulatory agencies of finalizing mitigations and recording those in the appropriate environmental reports. Categorical exclusions usually are bundled and accepted cause of the minor nature for the work performed. Example: Annual street sweeping or gutter cleaning of roads. Other work requires examination and public opinion meaning studies to determine loss of habitat or farmland along with public comment.
After these steps are completed months to years later the work is inspected for plan and permit conformance. Should you advocate outside the agency or company through government based watchdogs or support group you may get a chance to directly affect environmental policy on a programmatic level otherwise you are limited to the environment you manage through your work.
Good luck.
I would not consider this a day to day account but in my experience working with environmental engineers outside of research, health environmental, etc… and those supporting infrastructure development are they to represent public interest in environmental (manmade and natural) preservation.
Early on I project development this comes in the form of attending scoping meeting to identify environmental hazards and impacts for the purpose of costing mitigations.
Then as a project approaches 30% the work transforms into coordinating with environmental regulatory agencies of finalizing mitigations and recording those in the appropriate environmental reports. Categorical exclusions usually are bundled and accepted cause of the minor nature for the work performed. Example: Annual street sweeping or gutter cleaning of roads. Other work requires examination and public opinion meaning studies to determine loss of habitat or farmland along with public comment.
After these steps are completed months to years later the work is inspected for plan and permit conformance. Should you advocate outside the agency or company through government based watchdogs or support group you may get a chance to directly affect environmental policy on a programmatic level otherwise you are limited to the environment you manage through your work.
Good luck.
Kevin Ford
Carpenter
8
Answers
Portland, Maine
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Jeremy,
An environmental engineer is a great career path. There are many different types of help an environmental engineer can be involved in. The three main categories are air, water and earth. Within these categories there are multiple sub categories.
My field is water purification. Water purification researchers are trying find naturally occurring ways to filter our ground water supply. Such as, peat, sand,insects, charcoal and clay. Just to list a few. However some environmental engineers working with water, might focus on drought and floods. Both equally important!
I find it commendable that you have interest in protecting the planet. I encourage you to reseach this. Helping others is very rewarding! Good luck on your journey.
Kevin
An environmental engineer is a great career path. There are many different types of help an environmental engineer can be involved in. The three main categories are air, water and earth. Within these categories there are multiple sub categories.
My field is water purification. Water purification researchers are trying find naturally occurring ways to filter our ground water supply. Such as, peat, sand,insects, charcoal and clay. Just to list a few. However some environmental engineers working with water, might focus on drought and floods. Both equally important!
I find it commendable that you have interest in protecting the planet. I encourage you to reseach this. Helping others is very rewarding! Good luck on your journey.
Kevin
Kris Cousino
Construction management
41
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Kris’s Answer
While my expertise lies in civil engineering, I often collaborate with environmental engineers. The nature of their work is quite diverse. It encompasses field investigation, the drafting of reports, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring adherence to environmental laws. They also play a significant role in formulating these regulations. A key aspect of their job involves comprehending and interpreting state and federal environmental codes and regulations.
Environmental engineers often work in conjunction with various permitting agencies. These include the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Departments of Transportation.
Environmental engineers often work in conjunction with various permitting agencies. These include the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Departments of Transportation.