Do you want to be an...

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers are concerned with assessing and managing the effects of human and other activity on the natural and built environment.

They apply their engineering knowledge and skills to such things as environmental impact assessment, natural resources management and pollution control.

Environmental engineers may specialise in particular industry sectors such as the minerals or chemical industries or in civil engineering projects.

They frequently work closely with other professionals, at times pooling expertise on particular projects.

They may work in offices or outdoors when involved in construction projects.

TASKS

Environmental engineers may perform the following tasks:

research and develop new technologies and techniques to improve the environmental acceptability of engineering projects
evaluate environmental and social impacts of engineering projects in association with the public, scientists and other engineers
design and operate processes to treat waste to a standard acceptable for discharge and/or recycling (waste water treatment or waste solidification, for example)
work with occupational health experts to ensure a hazard-free working environment
prepare reports and studies on the best approach to environmental management in new and existing engineering projects, taking into account environmentally sustainable economic activity, as well as environmental and industrial factors
effectively communicate relevant issues to other technical staff, managers, regulatory authorities, public interest groups and the public

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy technical and engineering activities
willing to adhere to safety requirements
able to identify, analyse and solve problems
good oral and written communication skills
enjoy computing and technical design
practical and creative
able to accept responsibility

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an environmental engineer you usually have to complete a degree in engineering with a major in environmental engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in engineering with a major in environmental engineering.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia. Visit their website for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Environmental engineers may be employed with large construction and mining organisations, large forestry organisations, regulatory authorities and some government departments. Opportunities also exist for self-employment or work with consulting firms.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to progress to local or corporate management roles.