As someone who loves spending time outdoors, you likely think of environmental engineer as a career that would be right up your alley. After all, this is a field that deals with protecting the environment and ensuring the safe use of our resources. But what are the qualifications for a career as an environmental engineer? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the skills and education you need to pursue this career.
What is an Environmental Engineer?
Environmental engineers work to protect the environment by developing and enforcing environmental regulations. They design, build, maintain and operate systems that prevent hazardous materials from being released into the environment. They also research new environmental technologies and methods.
Environmental engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental science. Some may also require certification from the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP).
The average annual wage for environmental engineers was $82,060 in May 2017.
The Different Fields of Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering is a broad and diverse field that has many options for career paths. There are many different types of environmental engineers, including: air quality engineers, water resources engineers, and landscape architects.
Each field has its own set of unique benefits and challenges. Air quality engineers work to prevent harmful air pollutants from entering the environment. Water resources engineers help to manage water resources and protect against water shortages. Landscape architects help to design and maintain parks and other public green spaces.
No matter what your career path may be, environmental engineering offers many opportunities for growth and advancement. If you are interested in pursuing an environmental engineering career, make sure to explore all the options available to you.
What Qualifications are Required to Be an Environmental Engineer?
Environmental engineers are responsible for ensuring that the environment is protected and maintained while ensuring the safety of people and property.
To be an environmental engineer, you will typically need a degree in environmental engineering or a related field. However, many employers also require certification from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or its equivalent. Other qualifications you may need include experience in environmental assessment and/or environmental management.
How Much Does an Environmental Engineer Make?
Environmental engineers make a median salary of $80,000 per year. The highest earners can make over $130,000 per year, while the lowest earners can make around $60,000 per year.
The Benefits of Being an Environmental Engineer
There are a lot of benefits to being an environmental engineer, some of which include:
1. Excellent problem-solving skills – environmental engineers must be able to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.
2. Strong scientific literacy – environmental engineers need to be proficient in both science and engineering disciplines, which gives them a strong foundation in data analysis and problem solving.
3. Broad knowledge base – environmental engineers need to be well-versed in a wide range of environmental sciences, including chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. This allows them to develop comprehensive solutions that take all aspects of the environment into account.
4. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills – working with other professionals and the public is a major part of the job for environmental engineers, so good communication skills are essential. They also need to be able to work independently when necessary, which means strong teamwork skills are also important.
5. Patience and resilience – environmental engineers often work long hours under pressure, which requires considerable patience and resilience.
What Is the Career Outlook for an Environmental Engineer?
The career outlook for environmental engineers is very good. There is a growing demand for environmental engineers, as the world becomes more aware of the importance of conserving natural resources. Environmental engineering jobs are typically in large companies, government agencies, or universities. The field of environmental engineering requires a degree in engineering and an understanding of environmental science.
Conclusion
Environmental engineer is a very important career field, and there are plenty of opportunities for people who want to pursue it. However, before you decide whether environmental engineer is the right career for you, make sure that this is the perfect field for your skills and interests. Once you have determined that this is the case, start researching environmental engineer careers in your area so that you can get a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in this profession.