Role of an environmental engineer

Environmental engineers are concerned with assessing and managing the effects of human and other activity on the natural and built environment. With so much focus on being green and preserving the environment for our futures, environmental engineers are becoming increasingly important. We outline how you can become an environmental engineer and what the role involves.

What do environmental engineers do?

Environmental engineering specialists use principles of biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. These workers are involved in matters such as recycling, waste disposal, water and air pollution control, and public health issues. Environmental engineers also research and try to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion issues. You must be a very creative, detail-oriented and analytical person.

What skills do I need in order to become an environmental engineer?

Environmental engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail oriented. They should be able to work as part of a team and communicate well, both orally and in writing. Communication abilities are becoming increasingly important as engineers frequently interact with specialists in a wide range of fields outside engineering.

Which qualifications do I need in order to become an environmental engineer?

A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is a must. Some university programs include mandatory internships as part of their preparation processes. A new engineer should undergo on-the-job training before working independently.