Environmental engineer
Help projects reduce pollution and make the most of our planet’s natural resources.
Also known as: green infrastructure engineer, ecological engineer, sustainability engineer, environmental health and safety engineer
About the job
What it's like
Hunting for a job where you can use your engineering skills while caring for the environment? Then a career in environmental engineering may be perfect for you.
Environmental engineers protect, restore and preserve the planet. You’ll use your knowledge of science and engineering to find new ways we can create a sustainable environment.
Your tasks might include:
doing site assessments and looking at reports to gather data
looking at the environmental impact of projects
designing solutions and processes that will minimise a project’s risk to the environment
creating plans to protect and restore the environment
liaising with clients and local authorities to plan future projects
promoting environmental sustainability and advising other professionals you’re working with
Environmental engineers get involved in lots of different projects. For example, you may come up with ways to improve recycling practices or control environmental hazards like pesticides or poor sanitation.
In this role, you’ll work on big issues like climate change, population growth and the energy crisis.
Green job
In this job you’ll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Full-time or part-time work is available.
Occasionally, you may need to do urgent environmental assessments or fieldwork outside your normal hours.
Environment
You'll likely work in an office, with some outdoor fieldwork.
Fieldwork could involve visits to construction zones, landfill sites or water treatment plants.
There may be opportunities to work from home.
Travel
You’ll travel to a range of different places to do fieldwork and carry out environmental assessments.
Depending on the company you work for, your projects can be local, national or even overseas.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Other careers that you might like
Environmental consultant Environmental manager Environmental advisor Sustainability manager Renewable energy manager Sustainability consultant Environmental health and safety manager Environmental product manager Climate change specialist Environmental officer
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Chemistry
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Engineering Science
Design and Manufacture
Geography
Human Biology
Geology
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification to become an environmental engineer. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or doing an apprenticeship.
University
A degree is helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects such as:
civil and environmental engineering
civil engineering
environmental science
chemical engineering
Other science-based university subjects which could be helpful for this career include:
geology
biology
For entry to a postgraduate course, you'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you move on to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
environmental management
civil engineering
chemical engineering
biology
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you break into the engineering sector. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Find more volunteering through:
Have you ever heard of the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES)? Joining an engineering body can help you make contacts in the industry and find training opportunities.
A driving licence is beneficial – especially if you’re doing fieldwork.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Environmental engineer'
