Environmental engineer

What does an environmental engineer do?

Have you ever wondered, 'what is environmental engineering and how does it impact our community?'. Environmental engineers protect our precious air, water and soil and find solutions to environmental challenges by using principles of engineering, biology and chemistry. In this profession you could find ways to reduce the effects of acid rain, global warming, or car emissions; alternatively, you could design equipment that treats and disposes of waste material. Environmental engineering, also referred to as sustainability engineering, often involves collaborating with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, experts in business and law, and other professionals.

The workplace of an environmental engineer will be dependent on the specific project. For example, if you’re working with town planners it’s likely you would be based in an office but if you’re working on a construction project you would likely be on-site.

Is a career as an environmental engineer right for me?

If you’re passionate about the environment and enjoy science, you might like working in environmental engineering. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:

• an analytical and technical mind
• an ability to meet deadlines and project manage 
• strong written communication skills 
• an ability to work independently and in a team 
• an interest in computing and technical design
• a practical and creative nature.

How to become an environmental engineer

Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career as an environmental engineer. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of environmental engineering: