What Is an Entry Level Environmental Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An entry-level environmental engineer uses knowledge of biology, soil science, and chemistry, along with engineering principles, to solve environmental problems. In this role, your responsibilities involve working to improve waste disposal, air and water pollution, recycling programs, and public health. You also address global threats, such as climate change, unsafe drinking water, and environmental sustainability. Your duties may include performing quality-control checks, analyzing scientific data, and designing ecological protection programs. You may also study and inspect municipal and industrial facilities to ensure that they are complying with environmental regulations, as well as advise government agencies and corporations regarding the cleanup of contaminated sites.

To become an entry-level environmental engineer, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering and relevant experience. However, some professionals enter this field after earning their degree in chemical, civil, or general engineering. You may also pursue an environmental engineering license after completing your education. To obtain this license, you must earn a postsecondary degree from an ABET-accredited school, gain relevant work experience via a job or an internship, and pass engineering competency exams. Additional qualifications include strong mathematical, analytical problem-solving, and communication skills, along with knowledge of related sciences, such as ecology, biology, and chemistry.