What kind of work does an environmental engineer engage in?

I’m really interested in sustainability and environmental engineering sounds appealing. Can anyone tell me more about what environmental engineers do and what industries they typically work in?

Environmental engineering is a discipline that applies engineering principles to solve environmental problems. Environmental engineers work towards improving recycling, public health, and waste disposal, and to control water and air pollution, amongst many other things. They play a key role in implemented projects and policies that improve sustainability and health safety.

They are actively involved in creating solutions for environmental issues like creating alternative energy sources, understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change, and improving water sanitation and hygiene. For example, in creating solutions for water purification, an environmental engineer could design systems to treat domestic or industrial wastewater so that it can safely return to the ecosystem.

Environmental engineers are also the professionals designing landfills, managing hazardous waste, and monitoring air quality, among other tasks.

As for the industries they work in, environmental engineers work across a broad range of industries. They can work in the public sector with government agencies, construction, manufacturing, consulting firms, energy sector, and much more. Basically, any industry that intersects with environmental impacts can have roles for environmental engineers.

A notable element in the work of an environmental engineer is that many projects often require collaborating with professionals from different fields—like biologists, chemists, and policy experts—to create holistic solutions to environmental challenges. It makes the job highly interdisciplinary in nature, which can add to the intellectual richness and variety of the field.

Generally, as an environmental engineer, you'd have a significant role in making the world more sustainable and safer for future generations. So if you're interested in combining engineering principles with a passion for environmental preservation, this could be a great pathway for you!