The world is changing at a rate like never before. City populations are getting bigger and technology is more advanced. That has a major impact on the environment. We are faced with problems such as pollution, creation of new laws, and how land should be used. This is done with the help of environmental engineers. These professionals use their education, skills, and technology to help find solutions to growing problems related to air, water, soil, and more.

Environmental engineers work either in an office environment or in the field. They have the responsibility of measuring the impact of projects run by the government or companies, and offer advice on how laws and other issues may affect projects. In addition, they test the quality of the air and water, make sure waste and garbage from projects do not harm the planet, and help design systems to help the environment. These engineers may get to travel to different locations and work on many different projects that have a huge impact on the world. On the other hand, there is also a lot of stress in dealing with major developments run by the government or large companies. Environmental engineers have a huge responsibility to make sure the environment is not harmed.

The salary in this career field can range from about $45,000 to $85,100. The average salary is about $60,882. The career outlook for this job can be seen by looking at the field of civil engineers, which this career is a part of. From 2014 to 2024, it is expected that there will be about as many people looking for civil engineering jobs in Canada as there are positions. There will be about 17,000 openings and 16,600 job seekers. This means that, while there will be competition, finding a job is very much possible.

Environmental engineers may work for government agencies or consulting firms, as well as large companies in industries for forestry, mining, and more. This means there is a lot of potential to work in many different locations for different types of organizations. Your role can grow from writing proposals and assisting in small projects, to designing technology and playing a part in major developments that affect millions of people.

If this career is of interest to you, then you will want to work towards a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related engineering field. For more advanced positions, you will require a master’s degree in a related engineering field, or even a doctorate. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain licensing from the association of professional engineers for that province. It is not an easy path, but it is most definitely a rewarding one.

Environmental engineers may not have a flashy role that will make them famous, but they have the opportunity to make sure major projects do not harm the environment. This very important role helps to make the planet livable for humans for many years to come. Environmental engineers are not just working to help people today, but striving to help all the people that will come after us.

Sources:

Job Bank. “Civil Engineers.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/report-eng.do?mid=22437&area=9219&lang=eng&noc=2131&ln=n&s=2&source=4

PayScale. “Environmental Engineer Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Environmental_Engineer/Salary

Vancouver Public Library. “Environmental Engineers.” http://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/guides/environmental-engineers/