Environmental Engineers

Environmental engineers develop solutions in such areas as water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal and public health. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental engineers “conduct hazardous waste management studies, advise on treatment and containment, develop systems and regulations, design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems, conduct research on the environmental impact of construction projects, analyze scientific data and perform quality control checks.”  The renewable energy field has created a need for environmental engineers with training in various types of alternative energy. Many jobs in the renewable energy market require engineers with expertise in biofuels and bioenergy, carbon capture and storage, electrical energy storage, geothermal energy, hydropower, wind energy, solar power, tidal energy and waste-to-energy. The need for engineers with backgrounds in the above fields is expected to increase as the United States transitions to the aforementioned Smart Grid technology. Job seekers should visit www.renewableenergyjobs.com for current job listings in the renewable energy sector.

Environmental engineers also study and address issues that are both local and global such as acid rain, auto emissions, ozone depletion and global warming. Many environmental engineers work as consultants helping clients comply with environmental regulations as well as with remediation and cleanup. According to the BLS, their starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.