Environmental Engineer » Learn More

Environmental engineers may do some or all of the following

• take air, water and land samples, and send them away to be tested for pollution
• advise on treatment methods if any pollution is found
• report on the environmental impact of proposed engineering and construction projects, and advise on how to minimise this impact
• prepare reports, sketches, working drawings and specifications based on the sites and the clients' needs
• design waste-management systems such as waste water treatment plants, stormwater and river-control works, and landfills
• prepare assessments of environmental effects to accompany resource consent applications
• manage projects from start to finish, including visiting sites to check construction is going to plan
• supervise contractors carrying out work.

Environmental engineers need to have

• knowledge of civil engineering
• knowledge of air, water and land pollution control methods
• knowledge of public health issues
• knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Resource Management Act, the New Zealand Building Code, local by-laws and town planning regulations
• skill in analysing and interpreting information such as client requirements, plans and designs
• problem-solving skills
• planning and organisational skills
• good communication skills
• writing skills for producing reports
• good computer skills, as they use geographic information system (GIS) computer modelling software.

Environmental engineers need to be

• practical, logical and accurate, with an eye for detail
• creative and innovative
• patient
• able to work well as part of a team
• able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.