Environmental Engineers

17-2081.00

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
• Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
• Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
• Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
• Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
• Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
• Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
• Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.
• Prepare or present public briefings on the status of environmental engineering projects.
• Provide administrative support for projects by collecting data, providing project documentation, training staff, or performing other general administrative duties.
• Coordinate or manage environmental protection programs or projects, assigning or evaluating work.
• Request bids from suppliers or consultants.
• Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
• Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.
• Provide assistance with planning, quality assurance, safety inspection protocols, or sampling as part of a team conducting multimedia inspections at complex facilities.
• Develop, implement, or manage plans or programs related to conservation or management of natural resources.
• Inform company employees or other interested parties of environmental issues.
• Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.
• Provide environmental engineering assistance in network analysis, regulatory analysis, or planning or reviewing database development.
• Assist in budget implementation, forecasts, or administration.
• Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.
• Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
• Prepare hazardous waste manifests or land disposal restriction notifications.
• Develop or present environmental compliance training or orientation sessions.
• Assess, sort, characterize, or pack known or unknown materials.
• Write reports or articles for Web sites or newsletters related to environmental engineering issues.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Air dispersion modeling software; ANSYS simulation software; DHI Water and Environment MIKE SHE; Ecological risk assessment software; Finite element method FEM software; Gas dispersion model software; HEC-RAS; Hydrologic simulation program fortan HSPF software; Image analysis software; Insightful S-PLUS; LINDO Systems optimization modeling software; Maplesoft Maple; RockWare MODFLOW; Rockwell Automation Arena; SAS 🔥; Simulation software; Simultaneous location and mapping SLAM; Site remediation management software; Stormwater runoff modeling software; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; WAM software; Waste management software; Water flow modeling software; Wind flow modeling software; XP Software XPSWMM
• Compliance software - Continuous emission management software; Environmental health and safety documentation software; Greenhouse gas management software; Hazardous materials management HMS software; Material safety data sheet MSDS software; Regulatory compliance management software
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 🔥; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; Computer aided design CAD software; SofTech CADRA
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥
• Desktop communications software - Eko
• Development environment software - Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS systems
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Photogrammetric software
• Industrial control software - Fugitive emission leak detection software
• Map creation software - Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Oil mapping software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.
• Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.
• Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
• Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
• Design environmental control systems.
• Direct environmental development activities.
• Prepare technical or operational reports.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Develop technical methods or processes.
• Explain project details to the general public.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
• Monitor activities affecting environmental quality.
• Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
• Prepare detailed work plans.
• Assist engineers or scientists with research.
• Prepare project budgets.
• Prepare procedural documents.
• Determine operational criteria or specifications.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Teach safety standards or environmental compliance methods.
• Test characteristics of materials or structures.
• Package materials for transport.
• Write reports or evaluations.
• Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.