Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by Admin
Environmental engineering aims to ensure that social development and the use of water, land, and air resources are sustainable. This goal is achieved by managing these resources so that environmental pollution and degradation are minimized. We have discussed here an environmental engineer career and how to become an environmental engineer.
Environmental Engineers design, construct and manage different ecological and waste management systems to keep the rural and urban areas healthy. They are specialized in ecology, basic sciences, economics, radiological science, and social sciences.
It is a job type that is a professional engineering discipline and takes from broad scientific topics like chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, microbiology, and mathematics to create solutions that will protect and also improve the health of living organisms and improve the quality of the environment. It is a sub-discipline of civil engineering and chemical engineering.
Environmental engineers study water, soil, and air pollution problems and develop technical solutions needed to solve, attenuate or control these problems in a manner that is compatible with legislative, economic, social, and political concerns.
Civil engineers are mainly involved in water supply and sewerage, management of surface water and groundwater quality, remediation of contaminated sites, and solid waste management.
The activities of such engineers include, but are not limited to, the planning, design, construction, and operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities in municipalities and industries, modeling, and analysis of surface water and groundwater quality.
Design of soil and remediation systems, planning for the disposal and reuse of wastewater and sludges, and collecting, transport, processing, recovery, and disposal of solid wastes according to accepted engineering practices.
Environmental engineers are called upon to play an essential role in environmental protection because engineering solutions must meet the environmental standards set by legislation.
Consulting firms, municipalities, government agencies, industries, non-governmental organizations, and specialized contractors are potential employers for civil engineers specializing in environmental engineering.
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Environmental Engineering Scope
Environmental engineering has immense scope in India for professionals qualified in chemical, biological, thermal, radioactive, or even mechanical engineering. Ecological engineering is a diverse field and requires people from diverse backgrounds.
Moreover, professionals from process engineering, environmental chemistry, water and sewage treatment, waste reduction management, pollution prevention, etc., are required in large numbers.
Job prospects for professionals with qualifications in environmental engineering are bright in research centers, NGOs, and various governmental departments working towards green development.
Candidates with M.Tech in ecological engineering have opportunities to work for government-built assessment committees that study and analyze specific projects’ environmental risks.
The report of such a committee is then submitted to the concerned authority for further observation. Scholars with Ph.D. in environmental engineering can opt for teaching jobs in colleges and universities.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics in the U.S.A (BLS) predicts environmental engineers’ employment to grow by 15% from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations. “State and local government concerns regarding water should lead to efforts to increase the efficiency of water use,” the BLS says.
Having good grades from a highly rated institution should give a job seeker an advantage over the competition. A master’s degree will also help secure a good position in an organization with the right salary package.
According to recent sources, there is a shortage of environmental engineers in India as more and more organizations embrace environmentally friendly processes.
International firms and bodies like UNO require candidates with qualifications and exposure to environmental technology for various projects. Jobs in such projects are high paying in terms of salaries and attractive facilities and amenities.
Environmental Engineering Subjects
First Year
- Mathematics-I
- Mathematics-II
- Physics
- Engineering Graphics
- Electrical Technology
- Engineering Mechanics
- Earth System Science (S)
- Chemistry
- Manufacturing Process
- Electronics Engineering
- Disaster Management
- English for Science & Technology
Second Year
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Biology and Ecology
- GeologyÂ
- Mechanical Engineering -1
- Methods of Applied Mathematics I
- Environmental Microbiology
- Air Pollution
- Environmental Hydraulics
- Mechanical Engineering –II
- Numerical and Statistical Methods
- Industrial Visit/Report
Third Year
- Environmental Geo-technology
- Land Resource Management
- Water Resources Planning and Management
- Design of Air Pollution Control System
- Instrumental Methods for Environmental Analysis
- Instrumental Methods for Environmental Analysis
- Project Work
- Principle and Design of Water Supply System
- Solid Waste Management
- Remote Sensing and GIS
- Environmental Policy and Legislation
- Environmental Aspects of Industries
Fourth Year
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Municipal Wastewater Engineering
- Noise Pollution and its Control
- Environmental Systems Optimisation and Modelling
- Hazardous and Biomedical Waste Management
- Climate Change and its Mitigation
- Environmental Economics
- Social and Ethical Issues in Engg.
Environmental Engineer Salary
Initially, the Environmental engineers draw a salary of Rs. 4 -5 lakhs per annum. But his salary increases with years as he gathers experience. The senior engineers may draw a compensation of Rs. 9-10 lakhs per annum.
In India, the average salary for an Environmental Engineer is ₹446,183
In the US, the average salary for an Environmental Engineer is $66,373
Source: https://www.payscale.com/
Environmental Engineering jobs
Job opportunities in M.E./ M.Tech Environmental Engineering are pretty similar to that of B.E./ B.Tech. Graduates! Talking about the Government sector, some departments where they are required are;
- PWD Department,
- Town Planning Department,
- Pollution Control Board,
- Agriculture Development Boards,
- Municipal and Public Offices, etc.
Graduates will be able to land Officer level posts in the departments mentioned above after completing M.E./ M.Tech. Environmental Engineering.
Job Profile for Environmental Engineers
At present, there is a massive demand for Environmental Engineers. It is hoped that these engineers would protect the environment by reducing pollution, managing the waste materials, utilizing renewable sources of energy, etc.
After completing the B. E/ B. Tech programs, the candidates may take up jobs in the environment, energy, and agricultural sector of the government and non-government organizations. They may work as;
Air Quality Engineer
Assistant Policy Specialist
Environmental Engineer
Field Chemist
Hydro-Geologist
Wasteland Ecologist
Safety Design Manager
Waste Resource Manager Etc.
