According
to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental engineers consider the earth’s natural
resources while applying physical, biological, and chemical principles to
address local, regional, and global environmental issues. Depending on their
specialization, environmental engineers may work on any of the following
projects throughout their careers:
- Air and water pollution monitoring and mitigation
- Creation and maintenance of recycling and waste disposal methods
- Development and maintenance of efficient fuel methods
This
is only a small sample of the type of work available to an environmental
engineer. Engineers in this industry may expect to work on any project that is
aimed at protecting the environment and developing ways to make life better for
the global community.
Environmental Engineer Specializations
Like many other fields of engineering, environmental
engineering includes a variety of specializations, which are described in
detail below. Anyone interested in a career in environmental engineering will
benefit from exploring the full range of options available in this dynamic
field:
Coastal Engineering
Coastal engineering involves aspects of civil
engineering and focuses on risks and demands posed by any development along a
coastline. A coastal engineer may work for a public or federal agency or a
private organization, and may be responsible for monitoring the effects of wave
activity, any detriment to coastal flora and fauna, and anything else related
to the shore.
Geophysical Engineering
This specialty of environmental engineering generally
examines the methods involved in extracting various resources from the earth,
including minerals, gases, and oil. A geophysical engineer may find employment
with a private oil company or mine, and may help develop safer and/or more
efficient methods of extraction.
Water Resources Engineering
Water resources engineering focuses on the creation of
new equipment for managing water resources. A water resources engineer may work
on projects related to wells, natural springs, and water treatment plants or
related facilities.
Ocean Engineering
Although related to coastal engineering, ocean engineering
more specifically focuses on the ocean environment and acts as a connecting
piece between various other sciences, including marine biology and
oceanography, among others.
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