Environmental Engineering: The Career of the Future

The environmental engineer is the wizard behind the curtain of environmentalism. As an environmental engineer, you can develop groundbreaking methodologies in the fight against pollution, waste, and global warming. If you are ready to take charge when the global community needs you most, consider a profession in environmental engineering.

What Is Environmental Engineering?

Remember SimCity, where you create a digital city and make it thrive? An environmental engineer is the equivalent of the ringmaster of this city's waste management, water, and air regulation systems.

Who Is an Environmental Engineer?

Environmental engineers aren't required to dress like Captain Planet, but they do share many of his characteristics, including:

• Aptitude in math and science and an interest in research

• Being a strategic problem-solver

• The ability to work well in a team

What Does an Environmental Engineer Do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers "…develop solutions to environmental problems using the principles of biology and chemistry." Working in the public or private sector with an organization, corporation, or research laboratory, you can be anything from a consultant to a government official. As an environmental engineer, you'll be involved in:

• Research: New environmental problems are always on the horizon. As a researcher in environmental engineering, your team works to prevent and solve these concerns.

• Design: Your goal is to convert ideas hatched by engineers and scientists into functional solutions, turning whiteboard sketches into energy recovery systems and surface water hydrology.

• Planning: When land is cleared for a building, highway, or irrigation system, an environmental engineer is the mastermind whose expertise guarantees an environmentally safe design and execution.

• Operations: Going for a swim in the lake would be a different experience without an environmental engineer operating the waste and water management system, which detoxifies waste before it is released into the environment.

How Is an Environmental Engineer Paid?

There will be 25 percent more environmental engineering positions within the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now is the time to pursue this career, and it pays! The median salary for environmental engineers is $62,000, with the higher end of this spectrum earning approximately $100,000. The most lucrative category to pursue within environmental engineering is architecture and construction, with scientific and technical consulting falling closely behind.

Where Does an Environmental Engineer Work?

Anywhere! Whether developed or undeveloped, all towns and cities need the help of environmental engineers. For those looking to explore the globe, "an environmental career could be your passport," according to EmploymentSpot.com. To find the world's environmental engineering capitals, seek growing areas or regions converting to more environmentally friendly methods.

A scientist by the name of Abel Wolman, whose work in supplying clean water is legendary among engineers, is one of the reasons pure water flows from a faucet. He may be a bigger hero than Spider-Man. A life in environmental engineering places you at the cusp of the global rescue effort. What could be a better reward for your work?