Here’s a brief list of what Environmental Engineers do:

• Environmental Impact Assessment: Assessing the potential environmental impacts of projects, developments, or operations to ensure compliance with regulations and sustainability goals.

• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Designing and implementing systems and technologies for treating and managing water, wastewater, and stormwater to protect public health and the environment.

• Air Quality Management: Monitoring and analyzing air pollutants, designing control systems, and implementing strategies to improve air quality and reduce emissions.

• Solid Waste Management: Designing systems for the collection, disposal, recycling, and management of solid waste to minimize environmental impact and promote resource efficiency.

• Environmental Remediation: Developing and implementing remediation plans and technologies to clean up contaminated sites, soil, and groundwater.

• Environmental Policy and Regulation: Ensuring compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and standards, and providing expertise on environmental policy development.

• Sustainability and Resource Management: Promoting sustainable practices, resource conservation, and renewable energy technologies to minimize environmental footprint.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Educational Background:

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a closely related field such as civil engineering, chemical engineering, or environmental science. Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) in the United States.

• Relevant Coursework: Take courses in mathematics (calculus, differential equations), chemistry (organic and physical chemistry), biology, physics, environmental chemistry, fluid mechanics, water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, solid waste management, environmental law and regulations, and environmental impact assessment.

2. Gain Practical Experience:

• Internships or Co-op Programs: Seek internships or cooperative education (co-op) programs during your undergraduate studies to gain hands-on experience in environmental engineering firms, consulting companies, government agencies (e.g., EPA), or research institutions. Practical experience is essential for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world environmental engineering projects.

• Engineering Projects: Participate in environmental engineering design projects, research initiatives, or competitions (e.g., environmental design competitions) to further develop your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

3. Obtain Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) Certification:

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) Certification: After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, consider obtaining EIT or EI certification. This certification demonstrates your commitment to the engineering profession and may be required or beneficial for pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the future. Requirements vary by country and state.

4. Develop Key Skills:

• Technical Skills: Master engineering software tools such as CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD), GIS (Geographic Information System) software, water quality modeling software (e.g., EPA SWMM), and environmental monitoring and assessment tools.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Enhance your ability to analyze complex environmental issues, design sustainable solutions, conduct environmental assessments, and interpret data to support decision-making processes.

• Communication Skills: Develop strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey technical information, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, interact with stakeholders, and present environmental engineering proposals and findings.

5. Networking and Professional Development:

• Join Environmental Engineering Organizations: Become a member of environmental engineering organizations such as the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI), or other relevant societies. Attend conferences, seminars, and networking events to stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies.

• Continuing Education: Stay informed about advancements in environmental engineering through continuing education courses, workshops, and certifications that enhance your technical knowledge, regulatory compliance understanding, and project management skills.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!