Unit 7 Competency 1 - Describe educational and occupational opportunities in the field of environmental engineering
Suggested Objective a: Discuss the field of environmental engineering
Environmental engineering is the integration of science and engineering principles to improve the natural environment, to provide healthy water, air, and land for human habitation and for other organisms, and to clean up pollution sites.Environmental engineering can also be described as a branch of applied science and technology that address the issue of energy preservation, production asset and control of waste from human and animal activities. Furthermore, it is concerned with finding plausible solutions in the field of public health, such as waterborne diseases, implementing law which promote adequate sanitation in urban, rural and recreational areas. It involves waste water management Links to an external site. and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal Links to an external site., radiation protection, industrial hygiene, environmental sustainability, and public health issues as well as a knowledge of environmental engineering law. It also includes studies on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects.
Environmental engineers study the effect of technological advances on the environment. To do so, they conduct hazardous-waste management Links to an external site. studies to evaluate the significance of such hazards, advise on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. Environmental engineers also design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems Links to an external site.as well as address local and worldwide environmental issues such as the effects of acid rain Links to an external site., global warming Links to an external site., ozone depletion Links to an external site., water pollution and air pollution from automobile exhausts Links to an external site. and industrial sources Links to an external site..
At many universities, environmental engineering programs follow either the department of civil engineering or the department of chemical engineering
Links to an external site. at engineering faculties. Environmental "civil" engineers focus on hydrology, water resources management, bioremediation, and water treatment plant design. Environmental "chemical" engineers, on the other hand, focus on environmental chemistry, advanced air and water treatment technologies and separation processes.
Links to an external site.
Additionally, engineers are more frequently obtaining specialized training in law (J.D. Links to an external site.) and are utilizing their technical expertise in the practices of environmental engineering law.
Information retrieved and copied from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_engineering Links to an external site. on November 24, 2014.
Environmental Engineer - Profiles of Scientists and Engineers
Links to an external site.
A Day in the Life - Environmental Engineer
Links to an external site.
Suggested Objective b: Determine the educational requirements for an environmental engineer
Environmental engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or general engineering. Employers also value practical experience. Therefore, cooperative engineering programs, which provide college credit for structured job experience, are valuable as well. Getting a license improves the chances of employment.
Image above and information retrieved and copied from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm Links to an external site. on November 24, 2014.
How to Become an Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or general engineering. Employers also value practical experience. Therefore, cooperative engineering programs, in which college credit is awarded for structured job experience, are valuable as well. Getting a license improves the chances for employment.
Education
Students interested in becoming an environmental engineer should take high school courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and math, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
Entry-level environmental engineering jobs require a bachelor's degree. Programs typically last 4 years and include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs in which students gain practical experience while completing their education.
At some colleges and universities, a student can enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s and a master's degree. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as an instructor at some colleges and universities or to do research and development.
Many engineering programs are accredited by ABET. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have graduated from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.
Important Qualities
Imagination. Environmental engineers sometimes have to design systems that will be part of larger ones. They must be able to foresee how the proposed designs will interact with other components of the larger system, including the workers, machinery, and equipment, as well as the environment.
Interpersonal skills. Environmental engineers must be able to work with others toward a common goal. They usually work with engineers and scientists who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.
Problem-solving skills. When designing facilities and processes, environmental engineers strive to solve several issues at once, from workers’ safety to environmental protection. They must be able to identify and anticipate problems in order to prevent losses for their employers, safeguard workers’ health, and mitigate environmental damage.
Reading skills. Environmental engineers often work with business people, lawyers, and other professionals outside their field. They frequently are required to read and understand documents with topics outside their scope of training.
Writing skills. Environmental engineers must be able to write clearly so that others without their specific training can understand their plans, proposals, specifications, findings, and other documents.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Environmental engineers are encouraged to become licensed as a professional engineer (PE). Licensure generally requires the following:
- A degree from an engineering program accredited by ABET
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after graduation. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After getting suitable work experience, EITs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.
Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states if the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own requirements.
After licensing, environmental engineers can earn board certification from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. This certification shows that an environmental engineer has expertise in one or more areas of specialization.
Advancement
As beginning engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move on to more difficult projects and they have greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Eventually, environmental engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a team of engineers and technicians.
Some may even become engineering managers Links to an external site. or move into executive positions, such as program managers. However, before assuming a managerial position, an engineer most often works under the supervision of a more experienced engineer. Advancement into a managerial position usually requires a master’s degree.
Information copied and retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm#tab-4 Links to an external site. on November 24, 2014.
Careers in STEM - Environmental Engineer Featuring Erin McGregor
Links to an external site.