Environmental Engineer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Environmental Engineer, or Environmental Engineering Specialist, is responsible for using environmental science principles to improve public health, reduce pollution and remove environmental hazards from the community. Their duties include collecting environmental samples and data, performing land assessments and designing systems to safely eliminate waste.

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Environmental Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

 Depending on your experience, tasks for Environmental Engineers may include:

  • Land assessments for industrial, commercial or residential sites for environmental impact if someone were to build on that site
  • Use of specialized equipment to test soil, water and air of a construction area
  • Improve waste management system design
  • Reclamation and disposal of air, water and land 
  • Find better solutions for site cleanup on a construction site
  • Evaluate current systems and design innovative ways to improve or replace the existing systems or processes
  • Field observation and field sample collections
  • Investigate, record and compile reports for environmental-related complaints
  • Pollution-control and waste treatment planning
  • Develop guidelines for the disposal of hazardous materials
  • Act as a regulatory arm for a companies compliance with waste disposal and management

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Environmental Engineer Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Our firm is seeking an Environmental Engineer to join our Northern New Jersey office. The job will consist of a variety of tasks, but candidates can expect to perform soil and groundwater sampling, field inspections and design of solid waste facilities. Will also be providing modeling services, subcontractor oversight and project coordination. We require a self-motivated growth seeker who is effective at combining creative thinking with logical design ideas to develop solutions to challenging environmental problems. *Requirements: * * Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, Master’s preferred; * Trained in OSHA 40 Hour Hazwoper preferred; * E.I.T. preferred; * Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook); * Experience with solid waste projects and knowledge of state and federal regulations is a plus; * Strong technical and problem-solving skills including attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness; * Possess an energetic and professional demeanor; * Interaction with clients and regulatory agencies; * Strong verbal and written communication skills; * Strong analytical and judgment capabilities; * Field work as required; * Ability and willingness to travel to various client sites. We offer employees competitive compensation packages, life insurance, short, and long-term disability and 401k retirement plan. We are an equal opportunity employer. JsBlom46dp Job Type: Full-time

Example 2

Geocon is seeking a Project-level geologist/engineer/scientist to assist with environmental consulting projects for a wide variety of public and private sector clients. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years’ experience performing environmental assessment and investigation, risk assessment, remedial alternatives evaluation and design/planning, and cleanup implementation and/or oversight. They will have the ability to evaluate sites, available data and information, develop plans for next steps, and successfully perform and manage small- to medium-size projects. They will also be able to perform independent, hands-on fieldwork and oversee subcontractors. Flexibility to work on a multitude of diverse projects with other team members, a positive attitude, willingness to learn, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a commitment to workplace health and safety are imperative. Professional registration as a California Professional Geologist or Professional Engineer is preferred. Job Description: * Perform Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, Preliminary Endangerment Assessments, risk assessments, and removal action planning and implementation for a wide variety of contaminants and media. * Assist with a wide variety of field sampling and related tasks. * Coordinate permitting and subcontractors, oversee subsurface exploratory borings/trenches, install and sample soil vapor and groundwater monitoring wells, etc. * Coordinate/communicate with analytical laboratories. * Log stratigraphy/lithology in exploratory borings and trenches, prepare geologic cross-sections, maps, and other illustrations. * Prepare reports of findings. Experience and Education Requirements: * Bachelor's Degree. * Master’s Degree preferred, but not required. * Minimum 5 years of experience in environmental consulting. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Team-oriented, but able to work independently and problem solve. * OSHA 40-hour Hazwoper training required. * Valid California drivers' license, current DMV printout, and vehicle for use to travel to various sites. * Able to lift up to 50 lbs. on a routine basis. This is an immediate opening in Geocon’s Rancho Cordova office. An Affirmative Action Participant EOE. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Health savings account * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday * Overtime Education: * Bachelor's (Required) Experience: * environmental consulting: 5 years (Required) * California drivers' license (Required) Work Location: Multiple Locations

Example 3

*Jr. Environmental Engineer* *Production Supervisor* *Summary: * The *Jr. Environmental Engineer* is responsible for assisting our clients in achieving their environmental compliance needs for the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, etc. The Jr. Environmental Engineer works with Team Members on air, water, and waste projects, collects environmental data, and works with state agencies on environmental compliance and permit issues. *Location: * Marietta, GA. *Responsibilities: * * Manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. * Solve environmental problems relating to water and air pollution, waste disposal, and process safety. * Develop air emission estimates for industrial processes and related operations. * Assist Sr. engineers complete regulatory compliance determinations based upon facility operations and assist clients with regulatory strategy development. * Prepare supporting documentation and reports including, but not limited to, engineering calculations, regulatory compliance reports, SWPP Plans, SPCC Plans, Tier II reports, TRI reports, RMP, and air, water, and waste permit applications. *Requirements: * * Bachelor of Science in Chemical or Environmental Engineering is required. * Minimum of 0-2 years of experience in environmental compliance is desired. * Exceptional organizational skills are required to manage/support multiple concurrent projects. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing abilities. * Strong analytical skills, math skills, and attention to detail. * Must be a self-starter and able to work independently with minimal supervision. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required. Knowledge of Access is a plus. * Able to travel throughout the United States. *Benefits: * * Competitive Salary * Medical Benefits * Dental Benefits * Vision Benefits * Flexible Spending Accounts * 401(k) Savings Plan * Vacation Days * PTO Days * Paid Holidays * Life Insurance * Short-Term Disability * Long-Term Disability * Tuition Reimbursement * Employee Development & Training *ABOUT GESI: * GESI provides expertise and resources needed to achieve environmental permitting and compliance standards, to manage process safety and to effectively collect, mine and manage technical data to enhance decision-making. GESI serves clients in a variety of industries, including chemical, foundry, composite, aerospace, and food processing. *_Global Environmental Solutions, Inc. (GESI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer, relying on the diversity of our workforce to drive innovation and growth. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, as well as unlimited opportunities for professional growth. _* Job Type: Full-time Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Employee discount * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Tuition reimbursement * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday Supplemental Pay: * Bonus pay Education: * Bachelor's (Required) Language: * English (Required) * Driver's License (Required) Willingness to travel: * 25% (Required) Work Location: Multiple Locations

Example 4

Description: For more than 60 years, Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C., has provided the civil engineering needs of municipal, industrial and institutional clients across the northeast. We are a growing multi-disciplined firm of professional engineers, environmental scientists, planners and landscape architects with offices across New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut and Maine. We are currently seeking a team-oriented entry-level Environmental Engineer to join our team in Syracuse, NY. Duties will include: * Petroleum bulk storage management and design * Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans * Environmental regulatory compliance * Remedial investigation and design * Due diligence site assessments * Air permitting * Technical report writing . Requirements: Applicants should have a B.S. in Environmental and/or Civil Engineering. Applicable internship, co-op, or summer work experience is preferred; familiarity with consulting engineering is a plus. Registration as an (EIT) in NY (or eligibility to obtain) is desired. Solid computer, writing, and communication skills are a must. Experience with AutoCAD preferred. EOE M/F/V/D Job Type: Full-time

What Does an Environmental Engineer Do?

Environmental Engineers typically work for environmental consulting agencies and public works departments to coordinate waste management. They implement systems for protecting water and air quality, preserving land and removing contamination. Environmental Engineers observe sites for future construction, produce reports on environmental impact and make recommendations for how to safely conduct large-scale projects. Environmental Engineers design regulatory controls for communities to use when working with potentially hazardous materials. They coordinate soil, water and air quality testing and train public works staff on how to use specialized equipment.

Environmental Engineer Skills and Qualifications

A successful Environmental Engineer candidate will have various prerequisite skills/qualifications needed to complete their duties, such as:

  • Problem-solving skills in order to find the right solutions to environmental issues like waste disposal and hazardous water
  • Interpersonal skills, as you will be working with different entities for the common good of the community
  • Strong engineering background
  • Planning and organization skills
  • A general interest in the environment and the desire to help make it better

Environmental Engineer Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Environmental Engineer is $75,832 per year in the United States. Salary estimates are based on 626 salaries submitted anonymously to Indeed by Environmental Engineer employees, users and collected from past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months. The typical tenure for an Environmental Engineer is less than one year. 

Environmental Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Engineers usually need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. While there are degrees for Ecological Engineers, some may get a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, chemical engineering or general engineering. A degree from an ABET-accredited program will combine a bachelor’s and master’s degree, as well as a continuing education path to getting licensed. Entry-level engineers will usually take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. After an entry-level engineer gains about four years of experience, they are eligible to take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. This is the typical licensure for an Environmental Engineer.

Environmental Engineer Experience Requirements

Typical experience requirements include the degree from an ABET-accredited program as mentioned above, as well as a passing score on the FE (Fundamentals of Engineer) exam. If coming into a more senior position, employers look to see if you have your PE (Professional Engineering) license and other relevant experience. Experience may include working in the architecture, engineering and construction industry or with a federal or local government entity.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

If this is not what you are looking for, Indeed has other job description samples available. There are additional degrees that can branch into environmental engineering that may be more suited for your job opening. These include: 

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Frequently asked questions about Environmental Engineers

 

What is the difference between an Environmental Engineer and an Environmental Scientist?

Environmental Engineers and Environmental Scientists both hold key roles in protecting and preserving our ecosystem and atmosphere. Like other Scientists, Environmental Scientists chiefly work in a lab environment designing and running tests, examining samples and analyzing data to confirm or refute a hypothesis. Environmental Engineers, on the other hand, use scientific data to inform their designs and action plans for correcting environmental issues. The two roles often work closely together when restoring a community’s pollution levels, with the Environmental Scientist making recommendations that the Environmental Engineer implements using mathematical and engineering principles.

 

What makes a good Environmental Engineer?

Good Environmental Engineers are passionate about protecting local ecosystems and making water, air and land resources accessible and useful to their community. They have a strong understanding of chemistry and physics which they use to innovate new solutions for waste management. Successful Environmental Engineers are tactful when dealing with complaints and know how to use active listening to learn about the needs and limitations of their community. They are also highly organized when keeping a schedule and assigning upkeep tasks to their team.

 

What are the daily duties of an Environmental Engineer?

Environmental Engineers generally split their time between working at a computer and collecting samples or overseeing projects in the field. During the day, they work on improving waste management systems and researching the logistics of implementing new procedures. They set safety standards for their team and instruct them on how to properly dispose of the trash, runoff and other pollution that they collect during environmental maintenance tasks. Environmental Engineers also investigate and respond to environmental complains on behalf of their company or municipality.

 

What are the types of Environmental Engineers?

Environmental Engineers often specialize in a particular type of environmental preservation by becoming a Water Project Engineer, an Environmental Safety Engineer, a Green Building Engineer or an Air Quality Engineer. Green Building Engineers consult on building construction to not only ensure the building process does not impact the environment, but that its ongoing operations are environmentally sustainable. Water Project Engineers exclusively work with pollution that impacts water quality and the development of water utility infrastructure and Air Quality Engineers focus on ensuring residents have clean air and can take precautions on bad air quality days.

Job Description Examples

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