Environmental engineering is crucial for organizations implementing “green” initiatives. As the phenomenon of corporate sustainability and eco-friendly business strategies continue to grow, environmental engineers are rapidly becoming highly sought after and important members of companies.
Since environmental engineers are tasked with the responsibility of making business operations in the field more sustainable, understanding their role and the importance of strong, effective environmental engineers is key to optimizing corporate sustainability. We’re taking a closer look at environmental engineers and the value they bring to achieving corporate sustainability, what an environmental engineer’s job description entails, how to become one, and how understanding environmental engineers impacts sustainability-focused business professionals.
What is an Environmental Engineer?
Environmental engineering is the practice of restructuring business processes and methodologies with a focus on reducing harmful effects on the environment and the community. Environmental engineers apply principles of engineering to create sustainable, eco-friendly solutions to environmental challenges. Some of the most common environmental challenges these engineers face include air and water pollution, recycling and waste management.
The services of environmental engineers are commonly known to span across different markets as well. As organizations in large-scale, environment-reliant industries continue to invest in sustainable business processes, the environmental engineer has a number of different industries they are needed in and can choose from.
Some of these industries include:
- Public Sector
- Waste Management
- Consulting
- Oil and Gas
- Construction
- Research and Development
- Water and Sewage
Both environmental engineers and environmental consultants [link to article] play an important part in sustainability initiatives for many different organizations and industries. Companies who choose to pursue eco-friendly business processes will always need environmental professionals with the knowledge and skills to efficiently and effectively implement their strategies.
Environmental Engineer Job Description
An environmental engineer’s role takes a variety of appearances, but here are some common duties and responsibilities you’d find on an environmental engineer’s job description:
- Develop and implement technology to provide solutions to environmental challenges.
- Collect, analyze and manage environmental data gathered in the field.
- Perform risk and quality control assessments to determine environmental impact levels.
- Identify areas of negative human impact on the environment and negative environmental impacts on communities and society.
- Create processes and environmental management methodologies aligning with corporate sustainability initiatives and projects.
- Conduct research into alternative forms of energy as potential solutions to environmental challenges.
- Identify areas of inefficiency and unsustainable corporate practices.
- Ensure compliance with local government and industry regulations.
- Forge relationships with influential environmental stakeholders and present data regarding environment performance and business impacts.
- Champion eco-friendly initiatives and causes to foster an internal corporate culture supporting sustainability.
What Makes a Good Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers must be inspired by a passion for sustainability and implementing eco-friendly practices into society and industrial landscapes. Environmental engineers must exemplify the temperamental proclivity found in any other type of engineer and also incorporate a business-based approach to providing environmental solutions.
Some of the key skills that make a good environmental engineer include:
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Data-centered mentality.
- Ability to design and implement processes to solve challenges based on data.
- Thorough knowledge of different types of environmental technologies.
- Communication skills to present findings to stakeholders and other influential parties.
Finding a balance between tangible and intangible skills is key to becoming a successful environmental engineer. While technical knowledge and hands-on experience helps environmental engineers achieve much in their careers, having interpersonal skills and applying critical thinking elements to the job empowers them to do more and make more of a difference.
Outlook for Environmental Engineers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for environmental engineers was $96,820.
How to Become an Environmental Engineer
Becoming an environmental engineer and acquiring the competencies necessary for the role happens by pursuing the proper degree background and with experience in the field. Acquiring degrees and certifications showcasing a specification in sustainability empowers individuals to become more well-versed and skilled to meet the demands of organizations searching for sustainability professionals.
Whether you want to pursue a career in sustainability or want to upskill and add important skills to help boost your career prospects and performance at your current organization, continuing your education with a certificate in sustainability is a great place to start.
Take the next steps toward prioritizing corporate sustainability in your firm by enrolling in the online Global Certificate in Corporate Sustainability, offered by Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management and UBC Sauder School of Business.
* National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. The information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.