What type of job can you get with a degree in environmental engineering?

Engineering Technician
An engineering technician is an assistant to an engineer or scientist. In the environmental engineering field, he is often responsible for assisting in research, collecting data, maintaining equipment, and assisting in the planning and execution of projects. Engineering technicians usually have an associate degree in engineering technology and are not required to have a license. An engineering technician may be required to work in a hazardous environment, such as dealing with nuclear waste removal or waste treatment.

Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers resolve and help prevent environmental problems. They work in many areas, including air pollution control, industrial hygiene, toxic materials control, and land management. The duties of an environmental engineer range from planning and designing an effective waste treatment plant to studying the effects of acid rain on a particular area. An environmental engineer is sometimes required to work outdoors, though most of her work is done in a laboratory or office setting. Career opportunities for environmental engineers exist in consulting, research, corporate, and government positions.

At minimum, environmental engineers must possess a bachelor's degree. Master's degrees are strongly encouraged, but not required. Environmental engineers offering their services directly to the public must be licensed.

Engineering Manager
Engineering managers supervise engineers and support staff. They typically begin their careers as engineers and advance to the managerial level. Engineering managers are responsible for administrative work in addition to supervising staff and engineering projects; these tasks often involve budgeting, creation of policies and procedures, and the hiring and training of staff members. In the field of environmental engineering, most managers hold office jobs, though some may work in a laboratory setting. Engineering managers often receive benefits such as stock options and bonuses. In addition to their engineering degrees, they typically have some business or management training.

Environmental Sales Engineer
Environmental sales engineers are responsible for selling equipment and/or services related to the environmental engineering field. For example, a sales engineer in the environmental engineering field may be responsible for the sale of air pollution control products to factories.

Sales engineers bring their education and experience to the position, enabling them to speak with their customers clearly and accurately about the products they sell. In addition to sales, they often assist with the design and modification of their products based on customer feedback. Careers in sales can be stressful because, in most cases, quarterly job performance directly impacts job security. Sales engineers are often required to travel, sometimes long distances. Those engineers required to travel are often compensated with company cars and accumulation of frequent flyer miles.