Water and wastewater engineer
You’re responsible for the supply of clean water, the disposal of wastewater and sewage and the prevention of flood damage.
Also known as: civil engineer (wastewater), wastewater process engineer, design engineer (wastewater)
About the job
A day in the life – Wastewater treatment operator
What it's like
Water and wastewater engineers make sure our water is clean and safe. You'll manage the process of bringing untreated water from rivers or groundwater into treatment plants.
You’ll help design and construct structures that manage water, such as sea walls, pumping stations, and reservoirs. Maintaining these systems is also part of your role. By creating energy-efficient systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you’ll contribute to combating climate change.
Water and wastewater engineers work in local councils, private engineering firms, environmental consultancies and utility companies. Some specialise in flood risk management, industrial water treatment or sustainable drainage systems.
Your tasks might include:
designing water treatment and sewage systems for new developments
inspecting existing infrastructure to spot leaks or inefficiencies
modelling water flow using specialist software
advising on ways to reduce water pollution
preparing technical reports for clients or regulators
overseeing construction projects to ensure standards are met
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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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.
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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.
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- developing a plan
- building relationships
- attention to detail
- analysing
- 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:
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Engineering Science
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
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Environmental Science
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification for this job. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or by getting an apprenticeship.
University
For many roles, you'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification.
Subjects related to engineering are very useful, such as:
Biochemistry
Chemistry/Process Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Science
Geology
Mechanical Engineering
Geography
Water Engineering
Environmental Management
What you need to enter a degree course depends on the subject and university. For minimal entry requirements, you’ll likely need at least four Highers at BBCC. These must include maths and a science subject.
Some universities will have more difficult entry requirements – these are what you'll need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
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 find work or move on to more advanced study. Subjects at college could include:
Environmental Management
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Built Environment
Social Sciences
What you'll need for a college course depends on the qualification level, subject and college. As a guide, for a HNC in environmental management, you'll likely need a minimum of one Higher at C in a science or maths-based subject. You should also have National 5 Maths and English.
Apprenticeship
You could start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
You might want to consider an FA in:
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:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
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.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Water and wastewater engineer'
