Is Disaster Response a Good Career Choice?
More AEC professionals are considering environmental engineering as a lucrative career path. These professionals are responsible for crucial aspects of industrial projects as they ensure the protection of the environment by limiting waste and other construction activities that could be harmful to the environment.
There are many paths toward getting a position as an environmental engineer and having a successful career. We’ll examine some of the best ways to do this so aspiring environmental engineers know exactly what to do to begin a career in this field.
Opportunities in Environmental Engineering
There are many things you can do as an environmental engineer. You’ll be responsible for planning and implementing processes for reducing waste and pollution common on industrial project worksites.
Typical workplaces for environmental engineering jobs include large construction and mining sites. You’ll work with companies operating in this space to ensure they know what the regulations are for public and environmental safety and comply with them. Below are a few responsibilities you may have as an environmental engineer.
- Develop processes for reducing pollution and waste.
- Consult and advise companies on how construction negatively affects the environment.
- Develop and implement recycling programs at construction sites.
- Conduct environmental audits.
- Design wastewater collection and treatment systems.
- Assess the potential impact a project has on the environment.
Environmental engineers may work in the field, in the office, or some combination of both depending on the company and project type. There may also be some traveling to assess sites in different locations across the state or country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for environmental engineers in May 2021 was $98,820 per annum or $46.55 per hour.
Skills for Environmental Engineering
You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or similar fields like civil or chemical engineering. It’s also possible to begin a career in this field by gaining experience on the job through internships or working as an engineer-in-training.
You can also take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) or the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam (PE). There are other skills that make you stand out and help you land a job as an environmental engineer, such as:
- design skills
- advanced math, physics, statistics, and chemistry
- structural design
- ecological rehabilitation technologies
- site management
Hiring in Environmental Engineering
AECOM
AECOM is hiring an environmental engineer in Long Beach, California. The company was officially established in 1990 and strives to reduce emissions and create a more sustainable and equitable future. They’re one of Fortune 500’s largest companies in America and are also named among the most ethical companies dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment.
You can find current job openings on their careers page. Some of their services include:
- Climate adaptation and sustainability
- Water waste and natural resources preservation
- Remediation, restoration, and redevelopment
- Air quality consulting and engineering
Stillwater Sciences
Stillwater is hiring an environmental engineer in California. They’re dedicated to developing a better world using rigorous science. The company focuses on beneficial users of water and watershed, including recreation, energy generation, flood protection, and balancing water supply. They also manage river resources, such as rivers and floodplains to safeguard functioning ecosystems.
You can find their current job openings on their careers page. Some of their services include:
- Water quality management
- Environmental compliance
- Watershed management
- Floodplain protection
- River restoration
CDM Smith
CDM was founded in 1947 and has locations worldwide. They’re a construction and engineering firm that provides smart solutions to their client’s environmental, energy, water, transportation, and facilities challenges.
You can find current job openings on their careers page. Some of their services include:
- Solid waste management
- Remediations
- Climate resilience
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFA) investigations and treatments polyfluoroalkyl
Certis Solutions can help you launch a career in environmental engineering. Our team works with you to build a resume that stands out and connects you with potential employers. Contact us today to get started.
