Careers in Environmental Engineers
An environmental engineer has a broad knowledge of science, technology, and human behavior. This includes chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, microbiology, and mathematics. Environmental engineers work to improve the environment for human and wildlife populations. Careers in this field are very diverse and are growing rapidly. Environmental engineers may be found working anywhere from the government to Fortune 500 companies. There are many different types of jobs for environmental engineers, including those with government oversight, technical writing, and business development.
Education
The education of environmental engineers begins with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Most environmental engineering programs are four-year long and include laboratory and field studies. Cooperative programs are available through certain universities. Often, these programs help students gain practical experience while in school. There are some five-year programs that lead to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Depending on what the school needs, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree may be enough for a career in environmental engineering.
Environmental degradation is a global concern that is increasing due to population pressures, increased consumption patterns, and rapid industrial development. Environmental awareness among the public is crucial for ensuring the implementation of sustainable development policies. In this context, education of environmental engineer is important as it helps foster environmental awareness early in their career. Environmental engineering can play a pivotal role in the circular economy. A degree in environmental engineering can also lead to jobs in higher education, engineering consulting, government regulation, or corporate health and safety management.
The education of environmental engineers includes coursework, practical experience, and the certification exam. Many jobs in environmental engineering require security clearances and US citizenship. Entry-level positions usually involve working under experienced engineers. Some may also receive formal classroom training or seminar-type training. As they gain experience, environmental engineers may advance to supervisory, technical specialist, or sales positions. They can also earn professional certifications, which can be useful in job searches and layoffs.
Salary
Salaries for environmental engineer vary greatly. In New York City, the average annual wage for this position is $57,928, but the salary can be higher or lower depending on location. Environmental engineers spend the majority of their time outdoors, gathering samples and monitoring rainfall. They then analyze these samples to create strategies for improving the public welfare. Often, they work with university students or other researchers. The middle and top annual salaries for environmental engineers in New York are listed below.
Education is important to advance in this career field. Most environmental engineers have bachelor’s degrees in engineering or a related field. Some research positions require a graduate degree. Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates. However, continuing education is required for advancement in this field. Environmental engineers use their science and math knowledge to create commercial applications of scientific discoveries. Some work on new products. They analyze each product’s safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
Job security is another key factor in salary. Salaries range between $69,038 and $86,943. While there is no perfect salary range, the company’s benefits package is a strong draw for environmental engineer. Employees at Jacobs Engineering Group are entitled to a 401(k) plan and a pension plan. Glassdoor reviews indicate that working in this environment is fun and interesting. Many people are happy with their salary and job satisfaction.
The career outlook for environmental engineers
The job outlook for environmental engineer is excellent. As we become more aware of our impact on the environment, the need for environmental engineer increases. As a result, more companies are hiring environmental engineers to help them comply with environmental regulations and come up with alternatives to clean up environmental hazards. Population growth and a shift in priorities from treating pollution to prevention will also lead to more jobs. As workers leave this field or retire, new positions will open. But what will the job outlook be?
As we continue to become more aware of environmental issues and their effects on human health, many people are becoming more interested in becoming environmental engineer. By applying science and math to the problems associated with the environment, environmental engineers apply their expertise to improve and preserve the environment for future generations. These professionals work for both the government and private employers. Some are even employed by nonprofit organizations or consultancies. Regardless of the field, environmental engineers’ primary goal is to protect the environment.
The median annual wage for environmental engineers is $96,820. This is the wage at which half of the workforce earns more than this amount. While the bottom ten percent of environmental engineers earn less than the median, the top ten percent earn more than $153,200 per year. Environmental engineers typically work full-time, and 20% of them work more than forty hours a week. They can find internship opportunities through college career centers and online job search sites.
