All environment-related problems are required to be solved by environmental engineers. They make use of modern technologies and science from the field of biology and chemistry in order to provide protection to human beings and other animals. They have to carry out work on various environmental issues like the municipal water supply and industrial waste water treatment. For this, they must monitor the programs conducted by the municipal department. They also need to work with people such as environmental scientists, planners, engineer, etc., from other related departments. They need to handle some very dangerous issues such as global warming, acid rain, water pollution and ozone layer depletion. These are very critical matters that can directly have adverse effects on the life sustenance on the earth. Environmental engineers may also need to provide consultation to large construction firms regarding the ill-effects that may be caused by their projects to the environment.
An environmental engineer has the following responsibilities:
- Visiting the site and monitoring all the environmental parameters
- Gathering resources
- Discussing various issues with other members of the staff and getting their opinion on the problem
- Using a computer to carry out studies on various environmental processes
- Making use of principal scientific methods to develop environmental conditions
- Carrying out waste material service to find out the level of hazard posed to the environment
- Providing advice to prevent water hazards and contamination of the water bodies
- Continuously monitoring environmental data to find out if there are any dangerous indications regarding the pollution level
- Performing other duties as assigned by the higher authorities
- Organizing various programs to educate people about rising pollution levels and developing various plans and strategies to control pollution
Skills Required
As the position of an environmental engineer is one of great responsibility, the person pursuing a career as an environmental engineer must possess the following skills:
- Good mathematical skills for calculating data
- Good logical ability for understanding the after-effects of the particular projects
- Good oral and written communication skills because they have to interact with specialists of different fields
- Willingness to travel to different places
- Complete dedication towards work
- Willingness to serve mankind and work for their security and betterment
- Good knowledge of the technical part of the work
- Willingness to work in a team
- Creativity and a detail-oriented nature
- Positive attitude towards work
With the modernization of the world there has been a continuous rise in the pollution levels. Hence, environmental engineers are required to measure the amount of pollution and invent various ways to bring them under control. It is expected that there will be rapid growth in this field in the forthcoming years. The reason for the rising demand is strict competition in the market. You can either choose to work with companies, the government or as a freelancer where you can offer consultancy to your clients regarding the safe disposal of hazardous waste materials.
The job of an environmental engineer is a respected one in the global market and it has a good pay scale. The average annual salary offered to environmental engineers is around $66,480. This however is a variable amount that changes according to the work experience of the candidate and their academic background.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that the profession of environmental engineering has a high potential. With the increasing levels of pollution of air, water, earth and the global environment in general the demand for qualified environmental engineers is on the rise all over the world. The profession involves a high amount of dedication, determination, skills and challenges. At the same time it has a high pay scale and is highly satisfying to the individual as it involves the improvement and sustenance of the environment of the world and the global community. If you feel you have the right amount of dedication and perseverance, this should be your ideal field.
