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Environmental Engineer

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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 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 wastes to a standard acceptable for discharge and/or recycling (e.g. waste water treatment or waste solidification)
  • 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 and legal, environmental and industrial factors
  • effectively communicate relevant issues to other technical staff, managers, regulatory authorities, public interest groups and the public.

Specialisations:

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

With experience and/or further training, it is possible to progress to local or corporate management roles with wider responsibilities than environmental protection.

Environmental engineers frequently work closely with other professionals, at times pooling expertise on particular projects. They may work in offices, and outdoors when involved in construction projects.

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.

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