Environmental engineers research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

  • Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
  • Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
  • Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
  • Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
  • Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
  • Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
  • Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
  • Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
  • Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.
  • Prepare or present public briefings on the status of environmental engineering projects.
  • Provide administrative support for projects by collecting data, providing project documentation, training staff, or performing other general administrative duties.
  • Coordinate or manage environmental protection programs or projects, assigning or evaluating work.
  • Request bids from suppliers or consultants.
  • Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
  • Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.
  • Provide assistance with planning, quality assurance, safety inspection protocols, or sampling as part of a team conducting multimedia inspections at complex facilities.
  • Develop, implement, or manage plans or programs related to conservation or management of natural resources.
  • Inform company employees or other interested parties of environmental issues.
  • Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.
  • Provide environmental engineering assistance in network analysis, regulatory analysis, or planning or reviewing database development.
  • Assist in budget implementation, forecasts, or administration.
  • Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.
  • Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
  • Prepare hazardous waste manifests or land disposal restriction notifications.
  • Develop or present environmental compliance training or orientation sessions.
  • Assess, sort, characterize, or pack known or unknown materials.
  • Write reports or articles for Web sites or newsletters related to environmental engineering issues.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 96% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 78% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 64% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 64% responded "Very important".
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 41% responded "Very high responsibility".
  • Contact With Others — 60% responded "Contact with others most of the time".
  • Letters and Memos — 78% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".
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Work Activities
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Prepare technical or operational reports.
  • Maintain operational records or records systems.
  • Maintain operational records or records systems.
  • Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.
  • Monitor activities affecting environmental quality.
  • Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Chemistry
  • Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD Hot Technology
  • SofTech CADRA Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Bentley Microstation Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
  • SAS Hot Technology
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
  • XP Software XPSWMM
  • Stormwater runoff modeling software
  • RockWare MODFLOW
  • Wind flow modeling software
  • Rockwell Automation Arena
  • Simulation software
  • Water flow modeling software
  • Site remediation management software
  • Waste management software
  • WAM software
  • Simultaneous location and mapping SLAM
  • Finite element method FEM software
  • Ecological risk assessment software
  • DHI Water and Environment MIKE SHE
  • Air dispersion modeling software
  • Gas dispersion model software
  • Maplesoft Maple
  • LINDO
  • Insightful S-PLUS
  • Image analysis software
  • Hydrologic simulation program fortan HSPF software
  • HEC RAS
  • ANSYS
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