If you’re considering getting into Environmental Engineering (EE), there are a lot of factors to consider. The salary, work environment, and location are all important. But making sure you have the right entry level job can be just as important as any of the other factors. In this article, I’ll go over some of the pros and cons of working in a large company as well as a small business or startup.
Though interest in an environmental engineering career is growing in recent years, many students have no idea what the field entails. As a result, they may have trouble separating job opportunities from hyped positions that are more glamorous than profitable.
Environmental Engineer Entry Level Jobs
Environmental engineers are professionals who work to reduce, minimize and manage pollution and waste due to mining, manufacturing, construction and other industrial projects. Environmental engineers coordinate environmental protection methods with companies they work with to ensure the compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Additionally, environmental engineers may work in a variety of subfields that include soil management, ecological sustainability and other environmental development sectors.
Related: Learn About Being an Environmental Engineer
What do environmental engineers do?
Generally, environmental engineers are responsible for planning, developing and implementing various processes that aid in the reduction, mitigation and control of waste, pollution and other debris related to industrial operations. These professionals make sure companies who initiate projects that can affect the environment—like mining and large construction projects—are aware and in compliance of government regulations for environmental and public safety. Several responsibilities these professionals take on during their workdays include:
- Applying principles of engineering to protect the environment during industrial operations
- Developing methods to reduce waste and pollution
- Improving conditions through environmental remediation
- Using pollution control technology to plan and implement ways to protect environmental sites
- Designing technological systems and equipment for the control and mitigation of waste and pollution for the safety of public health
- Coordinating recycling and reduction processes at manufacturing and industrial sites
- Treating and disposing of waste materials in accordance with public and government health and environmental regulations
- Consulting with corporations to advise on the effects construction and industrial projects have on the environment
Related: What Is Environmental Engineering?
Average salary for environmental engineers
Environmental engineers earn a national average salary of $83,060 per year, according to Indeed. The your income level can vary, though, depending on where you live, your experience level, credentials and even your specializations. For instance, an environmental engineer who specializes in geotechnical engineering can expect to earn a national average salary of $79,844 per year, just a little under the national average for environmental engineers. Additionally, your credentials can be an advantage for higher income opportunities, especially if you pursue a master’s degree and other certifications.
Related: 10 High-Paying Engineering Jobs
How to become an environmental engineer
The steps below outline the educational and training process for becoming an environmental engineer:
1. Complete a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering
Complete a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering through an accredited program. Coursework for the field typically includes prerequisites like science studies, mathematics and engineering principles. As you study your major more in-depth, coursework covers water treatment, pollution mitigation and control technologies, air quality management and environmental rehabilitation. When you graduate from your four-year degree program, you will be eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, which is required before entering the workforce.
2. Take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) administers the FE exam, where you’ll find the FE Environmental exam specific to environmental engineering. The FE exam is the first step toward professional certification, but depending on the state where you live, it might not be a requirement. The exam covers mathematics applications, engineering fundamentals, environmental chemistry, legal policies and additional topics specific to environmental engineering.
3. Gain work experience through an internship or entry-level role
Internships and even entry-level roles can give you valuable work experience that you’ll need to qualify to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. This exam is the last step toward professional certification, and the NCEES may require you to have several years of work experience prior to sitting for the exam. Your entry-level experience will also be highly advantageous to add to your resume as you advance in your career.
4. Take the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam for licensing
Take the PE exam through the NCEES. Many environmental engineers who work for federal, local and state consulting firms and government agencies will need to earn the professional engineer’s certification to provide services to the public. Your license will also boost your employment potential, providing you with additional credentials to showcase your expertise.
5. Consider obtaining your graduate degree
You can choose to pursue your master’s in environmental engineering, too. Some programs offer five-year programs where you can complete your bachelor’s and move right into your master’s program. It’s not a requirement to start your career, however, an advanced degree in environmental engineering or in a specialization can open up more job possibilities and higher income potential. Additionally, some states require an entirely separate state licensure from the NCEES professional certification for engineering professionals to provide services to the public.
Related: 11 Different Engineering Career Paths
Frequently asked questions about being an environmental engineer
If you’re still interested in learning more about the career of an environmental engineer, the following frequently asked questions can provide some additional insight:
What skills do environmental engineers need?
Environmental engineers rely on strong hard skills specific to the field of engineering. Structural design, elements of site management, ecological rehabilitation technologies, mathematics and statistics and the ability to use technological equipment to perform job functions are several examples of the technical skills that engineers in the field should have. Communication, research and analysis, writing and leadership skills are also beneficial traits to develop to succeed in the career.
Related: 12 Essential Engineering Skills for Your Resume
What are additional specializations in environmental engineering?
Environmental engineering can provide career opportunities in several different specializations within the field. Geotechnical engineering focuses on soil mechanics and foundation engineering, where engineers may work to mitigate environmental risks to building and construction sites. Geophysical engineering encompasses the examination and development of methods for the extraction and mining of natural resources like oil, gases and minerals. In addition to these industry-focused specializations, there are several hydrology and water resource fields of environmental engineering where engineers work to manage and protect ecological water systems in the environment.
What is the work environment like?
Environmental engineers may spend equal amounts of time working in the office and outdoors. Office work may focus on project development, conferences and collaboration with teammates and executives, data analysis and research. Engineers will also frequently travel to assess industrial and construction sites to evaluate operations, assist in waste reduction and mitigation processes and other applications of their work.
