Quick Facts
What They Do
An Environmental Engineer develops solutions to environmental problems using engineering, biology, chemistry, and geology. Addresses pollution control, waste disposal, recycling, or public health issues. Works on local environmental issues, such as polluted groundwater, or global or regional issues, such as acid rain. Works with environmental scientists and public policymakers to identify problems and develop technologies that benefit people and protect the environment.
Core Tasks:
- Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
- Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
- Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
- Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
- Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
- Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
- Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
- Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
- Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
- Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.
- Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.
- Assist in budget implementation, forecasts, or administration.
- Coordinate or manage environmental protection programs or projects, assigning or evaluating work.
- Prepare or present public briefings on the status of environmental engineering projects.
- Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.
- Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
- Request bids from suppliers or consultants.
- Inform company employees or other interested parties of environmental issues.
- Provide administrative support for projects by collecting data, providing project documentation, training staff, or performing other general administrative duties.
- Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.
- Develop or present environmental compliance training or orientation sessions.
- Provide environmental engineering assistance in network analysis, regulatory analysis, or planning or reviewing database development.
- Provide assistance with planning, quality assurance, safety inspection protocols, or sampling as part of a team conducting multimedia inspections at complex facilities.
- Develop, implement, or manage plans or programs related to conservation or management of natural resources.
- Prepare hazardous waste manifests or land disposal restriction notifications.
- Attend professional conferences to share information.
- Write reports or articles for Web sites or newsletters related to environmental engineering issues.
What to expect as an Environmental Engineer
86% of people achieve this level of education.
See Environmental Engineer related courses on Tallo
949 openings for Environmental Engineers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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