Nature of work
An environmental engineer strives to solve environmental problems such as water and air pollution, waste disposal, and public health issues. As an engineer, he/she uses advanced principles of biology, chemistry, and environmental science to protect wildlife and natural resources as well as human life. He/she is qualified to work on a variety of serious environmental issues. He/she may be required to examine and evaluate industrial and municipal facilities and programs to assess their compliance with environmental regulations. He/she may work with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, and other specialists to address environmental problems. On a larger scale, he/she works on global issues such as the problem of acid rain, global warming, air and water pollution, and ozone depletion. He/she may prepare, review, and revise environmental regulations and recommendation reports and monitor the progress of certain environmental programs. He/she also advises industries and government agencies about the efficacy of environmental policies and standards. Environment of work
Most environmental engineers work full time. Those who manage projects often work more than 40 hours per week to monitor the project’s progress and recommend corrective action when needed. This is necessary to make sure that deadlines are met and to ensure that the project is built according to the specifications.An environmental engineer generally works a standard forty-hour week in comfortable offices, laboratories, or industrial plants. Dealing with serious environmental issues that affect the health of humans and animals can result in stress. He/she may be required to travel and work onsite if he/she is working on a particular project.
Professional life
At first an environmental engineer gains knowledge and experience, then he/she moves on to more difficult projects. He/she has greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Eventually, an environmental engineer may become technical specialists or supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some may even become engineering managers or move into executive positions. However, before assuming a managerial position, an engineer usually works under the supervision of a more experienced engineer. Additionally, wastewater treatment is becoming a larger concern in areas of the country where new methods of drilling for shale gas require the use and disposal of massive volumes of water. As an environmental engineer gains experience, he/she can become responsible for larger and more important projects. He/she can also supervise other environmental engineers or technicians on large-scale projects.Range of typical starting salaries: 35000 SYP.
Getting the job
An environmental engineer must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or mechanical engineering. Employers also value practical experience. Therefore, cooperative engineering programs are valuable as well. Students interested in studying environmental engineering should take high school courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Entry-level environmental engineering jobs require a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degree programs typically last 4 years and includes classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs where students gain practical experience while completing their education. At some colleges and universities, a student can enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s and a master's degree. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as an instructor at some colleges and universities or to do research and development. Skills
There are many skills heshe needs to have and improve, such as:Communication skills. Heshe must be able to communicate both orally and in writing clearly so others understand their plans, proposals, specifications, findings, and other documents.
Problem-solving skills. Heshe must be able to identify and anticipate problems to prevent losses for their employers, safeguard workers’ health, and mitigate environmental damage.
Systems analysis. Heshe sometimes has to design systems that will be part of larger ones.
Teamwork. Heshe must be able to work with others toward a common goal.
Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is included in this file, you can visit the following websites:- www.environmental.org.uk, A professional Society which exists to promote awareness of the discipline of environmental engineering
- The Order of Syrian engineers, Damascus, Tel: 6627256
- www.arab-eng.org, Arab Engineers Forum.
- Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.