Environmental engineer
Help projects reduce pollution and make the most of our planet’s natural resources.
Also known as: green infrastructure engineer, ecological engineer, sustainability engineer, environmental health and safety engineer
About the job
What it's like
Environmental engineers protect, restore and preserve the planet. You’ll use your science and engineering skills to find new ways we can create a sustainable environment.
As an environmental engineer, you could:
come up with new ways to dispose of waste
control environmental hazards, like pesticides or poor sanitation
improve recycling practices
work to reduce pollution in the soil, water and air
In this role, you’ll work on issues like climate change, population growth and the energy crisis.
Your daily tasks may include:
doing site assessments and looking at reports to gather data
looking at the environmental impact of projects
recommending ways to improve environmental issues
designing solutions and processes that will minimise a project’s risk to the environment
creating plans to protect and restore the environment
liaising with clients and local authorities to plan future projects
promoting environmental sustainability and advising other professionals you’re working with
Green job
In this job you’ll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You’ll work full-time or part-time. Occasionally, you may need to do urgent environmental assessments or fieldwork outside your normal hours.
Environment
You'll likely work in an office environment, with some outdoor fieldwork. There may be opportunities to work from home some of the time.
Travel
You’ll sometimes travel to do fieldwork and carry out environmental assessments. Depending on the company you work for, your projects can be local, national or even overseas.
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Other careers that you might like
Environmental consultant Environmental manager Environmental advisor Sustainability manager Renewable energy manager Sustainability consultant Environmental health and safety manager Environmental product manager Climate change specialist Environmental officer
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Chemistry
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Engineering Science
Design and Manufacture
Geography
Human Biology
Geology
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification for this job. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or by getting an apprenticeship.
Explore the information you need for each route into this career.
University
For many roles, you'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification.
Subjects related to engineering are very useful, such as:
civil and environmental engineering
civil engineering
environmental science
chemical engineering
Other science-based university subjects which could be helpful for this career include:
geology
biology
What you need to enter a degree course depends on the subject and university. For a Civil and Environmental Engineering degree at University of Strathclyde, you'll likely need at least four Highers at ABBB. These must include maths and a science subject.
Some universities will have more difficult entry requirements – these are what you'll need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
For entry to a postgraduate course, you'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or move on to more advanced study. Subjects at college could include:
environmental management
civil engineering
chemical engineering
biology
What you'll need for a college course depends on the qualification level, subject and college. As a guide, for a HNC in environmental management, you'll likely need a minimum of one Higher at C in a science or maths-based subject. You should also have National 5 Maths and English.
Apprenticeships
You could start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
You might want to consider an FA in:
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Engineering
Engineering and Digital Manufacturing
Land-based Engineering
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you break into the engineering sector. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Find more volunteering through:
Have you ever heard of the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES)? Joining an engineering body can help you make contacts in the industry and find training opportunities.
A driving licence is beneficial – especially if you’re doing fieldwork.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Environmental engineer'
