Government & Defence
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineering
Technician
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or Working with these Jobs
Growing concern about global climate change has made more people and companies aware of the carbon footprint their activities leave. Environmental compliance specialists help ensure those carbon footprints conform to applicable laws regulating pollution and emissions. Most compliance officers work for government agencies but can be found in the private sector as well.
An Environmental Compliance Officer is responsible for making sure environmental laws for water, gas, energy, oil, etc. are implemented and carried though.
Environmental health officers assess risk and develop, regulate, enforce and monitor laws and regulations governing public health for both the built and natural environment, in order to promote good human health and environmental practices.
They are also involved in consultation, evaluation, managerial and health promotion activities.
(Source:
Your Career)
ANZSCO ID:
251311
Alternative names: Environmental Health Officer, Health
Surveyor, Environmental Health Practitioner, Environmental Compliance
Specialist, Environmental Compliance Officer,
Specialisations:
Environmental health officers may
specialise in the areas of air, food and water quality; disease vector
control (mosquito control, for example); waste management; environmental
protection; health education; and noise control.
- food safety
- environmental protection
- pollution control
- noise control
- health and safety at work
- waste management
- housing standards
You might specialise in one of these areas, or you might deal with all environmental health issues in your local area or company. Your work could involve:
- inspecting businesses for health and safety, food hygiene and food standards
- following up complaints and investigating outbreaks of food poisoning, infectious disease or pests
- collecting samples for laboratory testing
- enforcing environmental health laws
- investigating accidents at work
- advising community groups and giving educational talks
- keeping records and writing reports
- advising employers on all environmental health matters.
You would work closely with practitioners from other government agencies, specialists in a variety of fields, the public and a wide range of businesses.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- a good level of scientific and technical understanding
- good communication skills
(Source:
AgCareers)
Duties and Tasks
Environmental compliance
specialists inspect industrial sites and investigate sources of
pollution to protect local communities and ensure that companies comply
with federal and state environmental laws, as well as local regulations
on pollution.
Much of the work of environmental compliance officers involves
investigating complaints of suspected violations of pollution control
laws, such as illegal dumping and excessive emissions. Their work
sometimes involves collecting water samples and other types of evidence
for laboratory analysis. If their investigation uncovers a violation,
they determine what corrective actions should be taken and issue written
citations. They might participate in enforcement hearings as well.
Compliance officers also educate businesses and members of the public on
environmental laws by preparing reports and graphics that summarize
environmental regulations.
In addition to investigating suspected violations of environmental
health and safety laws and regulations, compliance specialists examine
licenses and permits to ensure holders of these documents comply with
licensing requirements. Compliance officers inspect waste disposal and
sewage treatment facilities to ensure these facilities conform to health
and safety regulations.
- Perform environmental compliance audits and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Provide technical assistance for environmental health regulations, environmental management systems, and projects
- Perform environmental compliance audits and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Implement environmental management systems and programs for company or clients
- Develop plans, permits, and procedures for air quality, hazardous waste, spill prevention, storm water, and wastewater
Work Environment
You would work a standard number of hours, Monday to Friday. You may
occasionally be required to undertake evening or weekend work. Part-time
work and job sharing may be available. You would have
an office base, but would spend much of your time out in the workplace
or visiting businesses and homes.
Most environmental compliance specialists work for government agencies
at the federal, state and local levels. In the private sector, some
companies employ internal environmental compliance specialists to ensure
that applicable environmental rules are followed.
Environmental health officers usually have an office base, but spend
most of their time conducting site visits. They carry out inspections at
locations as diverse as restaurants, nightclubs, tattoo and beauty
parlours as well as childcare facilities.
Typical employers:
- employed by research firms,
- food animal production companies,
- governmental organizations,
- schools/universities and environmental agencies.
Environmental health officers work primarily for government organisations, although private sector opportunities are increasing.
Tools and technologies
Environmental health officers use thermometers, sealed and sterile jars
and other sampling equipment to monitor noise and light levels when
carrying out site visits. When visiting unhygienic, unpleasant or
potentially dangerous sites they may be required to wear protective
clothing such as masks, gloves and hair nets.
Environmental health officers must also use computers and general office
equipment to keep detailed records of their work and any evidence to be
used in legal proceedings.
Education and
training/entrance requirements
To become an environmental health officer you usually have to study
environmental health, environmental science, public health or
environmental management at university. Appropriate fields of study
include environmental science, biology or chemistry. Compliance
specialists need strong knowledge of science, environmental law and
public safety.
You could
study these subjects in a science, health science, social science or
natural science degree.
A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.
To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary
school certificate or equivalent. English, mathematics, biology,
chemistry and physics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to
university.
Additional Information
Graduates can become members of Environmental Health Australia, a
national professional association for environmental health officers and
other professionals working in environmental health. Student membership
is available to those studying an accredited environmental health
degree.
Employment Opportunities
The main employers are local government and councils.
Environmental health officers are also employed by the Australian
Defence Force, state and territory health and environment departments
and area health services, as well as major food corporations,
international airlines and overseas aid organisations. There are growing
opportunities elsewhere in the private sector.
Government &
Defence
Environmental engineers use the
principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to
develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in
efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water
and air pollution control.
Environmental engineers are concerned with assessing and managing the
effects of human and other activity on the natural and built
environment.
They apply their engineering knowledge and skills to such things as
environmental impact assessment, natural resources management and
pollution control.
Environmental engineers may specialise in particular industry sectors
such as the minerals or chemical industries or in civil engineering
projects.
Environmental Engineers assess the impact on air, water, soil and noise
levels in the vicinity of engineering projects, plan and design
equipment and processes for the treatment and safe disposal of waste
material, and assess what may cause problems for the environment in the
long-term.
Environmental engineers use their engineering skills to solve
environmental problems and create sustainable solutions. This could
include assessing the impact of engineering projects on air, water, soil
and noise levels in the vicinity of engineering projects. Registration
or licensing may be required.
(Source:
Geolink)
ANZSCO ID:
233915
Alternative names: was known as Sanitary Engineer,
Public Health Engineering, or, Environmental Health Engineering.
Water Quality Scientist/Engineer, Sustainability Analyst,
Specialisations: Water and Wastewater Engineering, Air
Quality, Sustainability and Renewable Energy, Site Remediation,
Environmental Systems, Environmental Microbiology, Geotechnical
Engineering,
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become an environmental engineer, you would need:
- excellent maths, science and IT skills
- enjoy technical and engineering activities
- the ability to produce and interpret technical diagrams
- the ability to analyse complex problems and assess possible solutions
- the ability to explain design ideas clearly
- strong decision-making skills
- excellent communication skills
- practical and creative
- willing to adhere to safety requirements
- able to accept responsibility
(Source:
Your Career)
Duties and Tasks
As an environmental engineer, you might:
- conduct e
(Source:
US News)
Working conditions
Most environmental engineers work full time. You might need to work
overtime on some projects depending on project deadlines.
They frequently work closely with other professionals, at times pooling
expertise on particular projects.
They may work in offices or outdoors when involved in construction
projects.
Environmental engineers work in a variety of settings. When they are
working with other engineers and urban and regional planners,
environmental engineers are likely to work in offices. When they are
carrying out solutions through construction projects, they are likely to
be at construction sites.
(Source:
Career Harvest)
Tools and technologies
Core tools include water quality test kits, air pollution samplers,
survey equipment, modelling software, lab equipment, and field
monitoring gear.
Advanced technologies like geographic information systems (GIS), remote
sensors, and 3D modelling programs are also revolutionizing the work of
environmental engineers.
Environmental engineering is deeply rooted in understanding and
assessing the natural environment. A fundamental aspect of this process
is collecting accurate data about the land and its features. To achieve
this, environmental engineers employ a range of surveying tools, both
traditional and modern.
Traditional surveying tools
Theodolites – These optical instruments measure angles and are essential
for tasks like triangulation and land boundary surveys.
Measuring tapes – Simple yet indispensable, measuring tapes are used to
measure distances and create accurate site plans.
Modern surveying tools
GPS (global positioning system) – GPS technology has revolutionized land
surveying. Environmental engineers use GPS devices for precision
mapping, enabling them to accurately measure large areas and quickly
assess a site’s geographical attributes.
Total stations – These combine electronic theodolites with electronic
distance measurement equipment, offering high accuracy in distance and
angle measurements. Total stations are particularly useful in site
selection and topographic mapping.
These surveying tools are vital for the initial stages of our
environmental engineering projects. They help engineers collect accurate
data about the land, which is crucial for site selection and
comprehensive land analysis.
By understanding the landscape’s physical characteristics, environmental
engineers can make informed choices and develop effective strategies for
projects involving land development, infrastructure, or conservation.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an environmental engineer you usually have to complete a
degree in engineering with a major in environmental engineering. To get
into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school
certificate or equivalent. English, mathematics, chemistry and physics
would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.
Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia.
Employment Opportunities
Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow faster than
the average for all occupations.
Areas of growth will include improving efficiencies in water use,
wastewater treatment (including in the mining industry), alternative
energy, remediation of contaminated sites, and compliance with
regulatory requirements.
Environmental engineers may be employed with large construction and
mining organisations, large forestry organisations, regulatory
authorities and some government departments. Opportunities also exist
for self-employment or work with consulting firms.
With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to
progress to local or corporate management roles.
Common pathways are to become an
Environmental
Consultant or a Civil
Engineer.
Government & Defence
Environmental engineering technicians work with
environmental engineers to develop and implement solutions to fix
environmental pollution. They collect air and water
samples, and work to mitigate sources of environmental pollution,
including lead, asbestos, and other hazardous materials.
Environmental engineering technicians carry out the plans that
environmental engineers develop. They test, operate, and, if necessary,
modify equipment used to prevent or clean up environmental pollution.
At dam site
(Source:
Create Digital)
ANZSCO ID: 310000
Alternative names: Environmental Engineering
Technologist,
Specialisations
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become an environmental engineering technician, you would need:
- ability in maths, science and IT
- excellent problem-solving skills
- excellent practical skills
- the ability to communicate with people at all levels
- accuracy and organisational skills
- a willingness to keep up to date with new developments.
(Source: Tasmanian Polar Network)
Duties and Tasks
As an environmental engineering technician, you would:
- maintain project records or computer program files
- record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations
- perform environmental quality work in field or office settings
- produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches
- collect and analyse pollution samples, such as from air or ground water
- decontaminate or test field equipment used to clean or test pollutants from soil, air, or water.
Working conditions
Most environmental engineering technicians work full time, and often
have regular working hours. However, they must sometimes work irregular
hours in order to monitor operations.
Environmental engineering technicians typically work indoors, usually in
laboratories. They may also be required to go out into the field to
collect test samples or monitor equipment.
Environmental engineering technicians can be exposed to hazards, and may
need to wear hazmat suits, heavy rubber boots, and sometimes
respirators, even in warm weather. Most environmental engineering
technicians work in engineering services, consulting services,
government, waste management, and manufacturing.
In laboratories, and when inspecting facilities for compliance, these
technicians record observations and test results. Additionally, some are
responsible for maintaining supplies in their laboratories. Most
technicians work full-time, regular business hours, in labs. If called
on to contain a major environmental threat, or perform other work in a
remote location, longer hours are common.
Measuring water resources
(Source:
NSCC)
Tools and technologies
Both Environmental Engineers and Environmental Engineering Techicians
use the following tools:
Laboratory Equipment
Environmental engineering technicians are often referred to as “lab
detectives” because a significant part of their work involves analysing
environmental samples. They use various laboratory tools and equipment
to delve into the composition and quality of air, water, soil, and other
environmental components.
Common laboratory tools and equipment
- Spectrophotometers –
Spectrophotometers measure the absorption of light by a sample,
providing information about the concentrations of various
substances. They are often used to analyse water quality parameters
and pollutant levels.
- Gas chromatographs – Gas
chromatographs are instrumental in identifying and quantifying
chemicals within complex mixtures. They play a crucial role in
detecting and measuring volatile organic compounds, which can be
harmful to the environment and human health.
- Mass spectrometers –
Mass spectrometers offer high precision in determining the
composition of molecules in a sample. They are invaluable for
analysing complex organic compounds in environmental samples by
helping identify specific pollutants.
- pH meters – These tools
are designed to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Environmental engineering technicians use pH meters to assess the
acidity of water bodies, which is vital for determining water
quality and its suitability for various purposes.
- Turbidimeters –
Turbidimeters gauge the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by
large numbers of individual particles. They are used to measure the
turbidity of water, providing insights into its clarity and
potential pollution.
- Titration setups – Titration is a common technique for determining the concentration of a substance in a solution. Environmental engineering technicians use titration to assess chemical concentrations in environmental samples, particularly in the context of water treatment and pollution control.
The significance of these laboratory tools is
profound. They enable environmental engineering technicians to
understand the composition of environmental samples, identify
pollutants, measure their concentrations, and assess overall
environmental quality.
Laboratory analysis is critical for making informed decisions,
implementing pollution control measures, evaluating water quality, and
developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
Air Monitoring
(Source:
Aeroqual)
Monitoring Instruments
Environmental engineering technicians rely on an array of monitoring
instruments for real-time data collection, allowing them to keep a close
eye on various environmental factors. These instruments help maintain
and enhance environmental quality. Here’s a glimpse into some of the
common monitoring instruments used:
- Air quality monitors –
These devices measure concentrations of airborne pollutants such as
particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
and gases like ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Continuous air
quality monitoring is essential for assessing human health risks and
supporting compliance with environmental regulations.
- Water quality sensors –
Water quality monitoring instruments evaluate parameters like
temperature, pH levels, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. They are
used in rivers, lakes, and oceans to track the health of aquatic
ecosystems and detect pollution events.
- Weather stations –
Environmental engineering technicians often deploy weather stations
to gather meteorological data. Parameters monitored include
temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and barometric
pressure. This information is valuable for predicting and responding
to weather-related environmental challenges.
- Environmental parameters monitors – These instruments track a wide range of environmental factors, from soil moisture and salinity to radiation levels and noise pollution. By continuously collecting data, environmental engineering technicians can monitor ecological systems, detect changes, and evaluate potential risks.
The role of monitoring instruments extends beyond data collection. They play a crucial part in early warning systems, enabling rapid responses to environmental incidents like chemical spills, water contamination, and air quality issues.
Modelling and Simulation Software
Environmental modelling and simulation software empowers engineers to
predict and analyse environmental changes and their consequences. These
digital tools provide a virtual platform to test various scenarios and
study their impact on the environment.
HOMER – This software assists in optimizing microgrid design, which can
improve energy sustainability in remote or off-grid areas.
AERMOD – It models the dispersion of air pollutants, aiding in the
assessment of industrial emissions and their potential impact on air
quality.
MODFLOW – Environmental engineering technicians use MODFLOW for
groundwater flow modelling, supporting decisions regarding water
resource management and contamination control.
OpenStreetMap – As an open-source platform, OpenStreetMap provides
geographical data that can be used to analyse and visualize
environmental information.
These software tools are essential in making informed decisions for
environmental projects. They enable engineers and technicians to
anticipate the outcomes of different scenarios, assess risks, and
optimize strategies for environmental protection and resource
management.
Other technologies include:
- Data Analysis and Visualization Tools
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Remote Sensing Technologies
- Satellites
- Aerial drones
- AI and machine learning applications
- The Internet of Things (IoT)
- Blockchain technology for data management
Remediation with Drone
(Source:
Tetra Tech Coffey)
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an environmental engineering technician you would usually need
to complete an Associate Degree or Bachelor’s degree in engineering,
with a major in environmental engineering (such as renewable energy). To
get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary
school certificate or equivalent. English, mathematics, chemistry and
physics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.
Employment Opportunities
Employment of environmental engineering technicians is projected to grow
faster than the average for all occupations.
However, this is a small occupation, so the overall number of new job
openings will still be small.
Employment in this occupation is typically tied to projects created by
environmental engineers. The areas where opportunities are most likely
are in improving efficiency in water use, wastewater treatment, clean-up
of contaminated sites, pollution control, renewable energy and with
utilities and water treatment plant operators.
Bio-oil
(Source:
RMIT)
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Health Officer; ]
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Environmental Engineering Technician;
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Your Free Career Test [Environmental
Engineering Technician; ]
Career Harvest [Environmental
Engineer; ]
Careers at Council [Environment;
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Your Career [Environmental
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