The world
population is soaring with each passing year. Providing the basic
infrastructure for a massive number of people has become a major
challenge for the ruling government of any country. A roof over the
head, adequate sustenance, education, and employment for all are the
need of the hour. All these major elements are necessary for a
quality life and to prevent social unrest. Moreover, updating the
outdated infrastructure is also a major concern. One good thing that
these problems have contributed to is, the new discipline of
engineering – environmental engineering.
Environmental Engineering
As rapid
urbanization has added to the pollution, the air that we breathe is
not safe for our lungs. The industrial waste that gets mixed in the
river water is posing serious threats to our health as the water is
getting unpotable. By becoming an environmental engineer, you can
apply your knowledge of engineering, soil science, and other subjects
of science to test and remove the toxic elements from the water and
air. Environmental engineering is one of those engineering
disciplines that apply science and engineering in protecting the
environment, fueling the economy with safe and environmental-friendly
projects, and protecting the health of people by offering them clean
water and improving the quality of air.
Duties of environmental engineers
Your main job will
be to care for the environment. For this, you have to apply knowledge
of biology, chemistry, soil science, and engineering to find
solutions for various environmental problems. You will study and
analyze several things that pose risks to human lives and the
environment, and offer a concrete solution. The nature of work will
make you to balance your time in the office and on the field.
However, you have to spend major time at the field work. You will be
in the office only when discussing matters with the regional town
planners and other engineers.
Your job will be
to control pollution, perform solid waste management, and control
disposal of hazardous materials. As the level of pollution is high in
the city areas due to lots of industries and vehicles emanating
harmful smoke, you have to find ways to reduce emissions and
contaminants from the air. For protecting the river water from
getting contaminated, you will plan and set up water treatment
plants. When working with hazardous materials, you will research on
eliminating the impact of radiation on the environment and developing
safety gears for workers and staff.
To
learn more about the duties and responsibilities of this position,
view some real-life resume samples at BSR.
Environmental engineering education
and licensing essentials
To protect the
environment, you have to brace yourself with a degree in
environmental engineering. A civil, or chemical engineering degree
will also make you eligible for the job. However, experience is very
vital since the success of the infrastructure projects will entirely
rest on your abilities to research the impact of the project on the
environment. For obtaining a license, you will have to clear the
Fundamental of Engineering exam. The licensing requirements will
depend on which state you are planning to practice this profession.
Job Outlook
The BLS (Bureaus
of Labor Statistics) has projected a steady growth in the job
prospect for environmental engineers. According to which, the
employment will witness a growth of 15 percent starting from 2012 to
2022. The major employers will be local government, private
developers, and several upcoming companies.
Saving the
environment should be the primary necessity of all human beings
living on the planet. If you really care for it, and believe in you
that you can make a difference and add quality to the life of people,
you must become an environmental engineer.
