Employers

Approximately 55,400 environmental engineers are employed in the United States. Environmental engineers most often work for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state environmental protection agencies, in private industry, or at engineering consulting firms.

Starting Out

The traditional method of entering this field is by obtaining a bachelor's degree and applying directly to companies, the EPA, or other governmental agencies. College career services offices can assist you in these efforts. Professional associations such as the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists offer job listings at their Web sites. Additionally, the academy offers the Environmental Engineering & Science Resource Guidebook, which lists consulting firms and public and academic institutions that hire certified environmental engineers. It can be accessed by visiting https://www.aaees.org/publications/resourceguidebook.php.

After environmental engineers have gained work experience, there are several routes for advancement. Those working for the EPA can become department supervisors or switch to private industry or consulting. In-house environmental staff members may rise to supervisory positions. Engineers with consulting firms may become project managers or specialists in certain areas.

Environmental careers are evolving at a breakneck speed. New specialties are emerging all the time. Advancement may take the form of getting involved at the beginning stages of a new subspecialty that suits an engineer's particular interests, experience, and expertise.

Read publications such as Environmental Engineer & Scientist (https://www.aaees.org/publications) to learn more about trends in the industry and potential employers.

Professional associations, such as the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists, offer job listings at their Web sites. Additionally, the academy offers the Environmental Engineering & Science Resource Guidebook, which lists consulting firms and public and academic institutions that hire certified environmental engineers. It can be accessed by visiting https://www.aaees.org/publications/resourceguidebook.php.

Attend industry conferences to network and interview for jobs.

Become certified in order to show employers that you have met the highest standards established by your industry.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• http://careers.aaees.org/jobs
• http://careers.ipep.org
• https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/environmental-engineer-jobs