What is the projected job growth in different Environmental Engineering specialties?

Hello Allison: Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

State and local governments’ concerns about water are leading to efforts to increase the efficiency of water use. Such a focus differs from that of wastewater treatment, for which this occupation is traditionally known. Most of the projected employment growth for environmental engineers is in professional, scientific, and technical services, as governments at the state and local levels draw on the industry to help address water efficiency concerns.

The federal government’s requirements to clean up contaminated sites are expected to help sustain demand for these engineers’ services. In addition, wastewater treatment is becoming a larger concern in areas of the country where drilling for shale gas requires the use and disposal of massive volumes of water.

Environmental engineers should continue to be needed to help utility companies and water treatment plants comply with federal or state environmental regulations, such as regulations regarding emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Job prospects should be favorable for candidates who obtain a master’s degree in environmental engineering. Opportunities for environmental engineers should be good because of the need to replace workers who will be retiring.

*Source: US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook - Environmental Engineers

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm#tab-6

Good Luck to You!

Hi, Allison

By far, the biggest issue facing the world is global warming and climate change. Environmental engineers will have a big role to play in dealing with these issues. Places where engineers will be helping include:

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through pollution control equipment and through changes to industrial processes

Mitigation of the effects of climate change like coastal flooding

Development and improvement of alternative energy generation and storage

Improvements in reduction, reuse and recycling of materials

I've been working in the environmental industry for a long time. I enjoy the wide range of challenges that are available in the field. Anyone graduating in the next 10 years with an environmental degrees should be in a good position to find work and be gainfully employed for their entire career.

One last thing: Even if you are very good at math and science, you still need to be able to communicate your ideas, suggestions and solutions to others. Good writing skills are as important to engineering as the math and science, because what good is knowing all that stuff if you can't explain it to others. So while you're focusing on the engineering work, don't forget to pay attention to improving your communication skills as well

Environmental Engineering is an evolving technical field that is extremely broad. Depending on the specialty it may have peaked and likely declining, may well established and stable, growing rapidly, or not yet understood with great potential for rapid growth. The following some example of each case.

Peaked and Likely Declining. When certain environmental problems are identified there is a need to both change the problem practice to prevent the problem in the future and to address contamination from past operations. These areas are likely to have a long-term downward employment trend.

1) Site Remediation.

2) Asbestos Abatement.

3) Lead-Based Paint Abatement.

4) Radon Monitoring and Abatement.

Well Established and Stable. Some environmental engineering practices are critical parts of modern society and will likely continue with evolving technological challenges.

1) Drinking Water Delivery.

2) Wastewater Management.

3) Solid Waste Management.

4) Industrial Waste Management.

5) Air Quality Monitoring.

Evolving and Growing Rapidly. Some environmental engineering challenges are only now being recognized and will likely become more prominent going forward.

1) Sustainability.

2) Climate Change and GHG Accounting.

3) Preservation of Habitat Lands.

4) Resource Conservation.

Not Yet Understood. On occasion environmental professionals are surprised by a new scientific finding that upends our understanding of "safe" management practices. Some examples include industrial chemicals that were previously thought to be "non-toxic" are found to be either toxic or persistent in some new application. Possible examples include:

1) PFOS/PFOA.

2) Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater Discharges.

3) New Industrial Chemicals.

Ultimately, a career in environmental engineering requires the practitioner to evolve as the state of the science evolves. Being adaptable and open to change is critical.