Job Responsibilities
Field oversight of U.S. EPA cleanup projects; collecting soil
and groundwater samples; preparation of air and stormwater
permit applications
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Job Requirements
Northwestern program in environmental engineering - does require
a decent amount of work, as most engineering programs, pretty
wide variety of classes. Its pretty difficult to get As, but
not nearly as hard to get Bs. Many professors are retiring, so
the professors and course selection will be changing.
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Uppers
You are able to make a contribution to society.
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Downers
Can be very long hours, and much of the work requires travel -
often to not very desirable locations. Often times
environmental cleanup and restoration sites are in small towns
or in areas experiencing an economic downturn.
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Lifestyle
Often requires a lot of travel, work hours can be long depending on industry you
choose. Consultants will work very long at times and sometimes weekends.
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Compensation
Widely varying. Private consultants can expect an entry level
salary in the range of 30-55,000/yr (I know its a wide range).
Government positions are likely in the middle of that range.
Its important to know if you will make overtime pay, because
that can make a huge difference in your actual yearly salary.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I think the job outlook is fairly good. Water resources is
likely to be a growing sector.
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