Occupational Video - Environmental Engineer

Summary

Environmental engineers apply engineering skills and environmental science knowledge to prevent and repair ecological damage. They are involved in planning, designing, and executing solutions for environmental issues, including soil, air quality, and groundwater. Their work includes environmental impact assessments, site assessments, remediation plans, environmental audits, policy advice, and water quality assessments. The profession is multidisciplinary, often collaborating with scientists, lawyers, and government agencies. It requires strong organizational skills, creativity, and a passion for the environment.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Environmental engineers combine engineering skills with environmental sciences to prevent and repair ecological damage.
• 🛠️ The profession involves planning, designing, and executing solutions to environmental problems related to soil, air quality, and water.
• 📋 Environmental engineers may conduct environmental impact assessments to evaluate the potential effects of developments on the environment.
• 🔬 They may work on site assessments, contamination analysis, and remediation action plans for soil and groundwater issues.
• 🌍 Environmental engineers collaborate with various professionals like scientists, geoscientists, and lawyers, making the profession multidisciplinary.
• 👷‍♀️ The job often involves travel, sometimes to remote or international locations, for tasks like site inspections or audits.
• 📝 Registration with a professional engineering body, such as APEGA in Alberta, is required to practice as an environmental engineer.
• 🎓 A four-year engineering degree and four years of work experience under a professional engineer are needed for registration.
• 📊 Environmental engineers can advance into consulting, higher management, or academic roles, with opportunities to modify their career paths.
• 🔑 Key skills for success include strong organizational abilities, creative problem-solving, and a passion for environmental care.

Q & A

What is an environmental engineer?

An environmental engineer is a professional who combines engineering skills with an understanding of environmental sciences to prevent and repair ecological damage.

What are the typical responsibilities of an environmental engineer?

Typical responsibilities include planning, designing, and executing solutions to environmental problems related to soil, air quality, and groundwater. They may also be involved in environmental impact assessments, remediation action plans, environmental audits, policy advising, and water quality assessments.

What does an environmental engineer do on a typical day?

A typical day for an environmental engineer might involve going to the field to conduct assessments, analyzing data, and working on various projects related to environmental protection and remediation.

How does Anjum describe the impact of environmental engineering on society?

Anjum describes environmental engineering as a profession where you can help society and the environment using engineering skills.

What are some of the interdisciplinary collaborations environmental engineers might engage in?

Environmental engineers often work with scientists, geo-scientists, lawyers, government agencies, and clients, indicating a multidisciplinary approach to their work.

What personal skills are important for an environmental engineer?

Important personal skills include the ability to think independently, seek assistance when necessary, and have good organizational skills.

What are the requirements to practice as an environmental engineer in Alberta?

To practice as an environmental engineer in Alberta, one must be registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), have a four-year engineering degree from a recognized institution, and four years of work experience under a professional engineer in good standing.

What career advancement opportunities are available for environmental engineers?

Career advancement opportunities include consulting, higher management positions within organizations, and teaching in universities.

What kind of work can environmental engineers do in remote locations?

Environmental engineers may work at gas plants, remote locations, or head offices, and their job can involve travel, such as inspecting mines in different countries.

What challenges might an environmental engineer face in their work?

Challenges can include managing workload, determining priorities, and ensuring deadlines are met.

What advice does Anjum have for someone interested in pursuing a career in environmental engineering?

Anjum advises that environmental engineering is a rewarding career with many opportunities for growth and modification as one progresses in their career.

What additional qualities does Anjum suggest are important for an environmental engineer?

Anjum suggests that, apart from a strong educational background, being an environmental engineer requires good organizational skills, a creative approach to problem-solving, and a passion for environmental care.