What Does an Environmental Engineer Do?
Environmental engineers apply engineering principles to develop sustainable solutions that protect the natural environment and improve public health. They play a key role in designing systems that treat wastewater, manage hazardous materials, control air pollution, and remediate contaminated sites. Their work is often guided by environmental regulations and safety standards, ensuring both compliance and sustainability across a wide range of industries.
They collaborate with government agencies, construction teams, urban planners, and private sector clients to analyze environmental impacts and create strategies for minimizing harm. Whether developing stormwater systems, conducting environmental assessments, or advising on regulatory compliance, environmental engineers combine scientific insight with practical design to solve complex ecological challenges.
Looking to Hire an Environmental Engineer?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Environmental Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design systems for water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and waste disposal
- Conduct environmental impact studies and risk assessments
- Develop plans for site remediation and restoration
- Monitor environmental programs to ensure compliance with regulations
- Use modeling software and data analysis tools to forecast environmental trends
- Prepare technical reports, proposals, and permit applications
- Collaborate with scientists, planners, and public officials on environmental strategies
- Oversee environmental audits and inspections on project sites
- Recommend and implement improvements to reduce environmental impact
- Ensure safety standards and regulatory requirements are met across all engineering activities
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in environmental modeling and analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, GIS, AutoCAD)
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations (EPA, OSHA, etc.)
- Experience with site remediation, hazardous waste management, and sustainability planning
- Ability to interpret and prepare environmental reports, permits, and compliance documentation
- Familiarity with field sampling and laboratory analysis procedures
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Collaboration and teamwork across interdisciplinary projects
- Project management and organizational skills
- Attention to detail and a commitment to environmental ethics
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related engineering field
- Master’s degree preferred for advanced research or regulatory roles
Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license (may be required for senior-level or public sector roles)
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification
- Certified Environmental Engineer (CEE) is recommended for those pursuing leadership roles or advanced technical expertise
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree with a focus on environmental systems or sustainability
- Experience with green infrastructure and low-impact development (LID)
- Knowledge of emerging technologies in water recycling, carbon capture, or renewable energy systems
- Background working with municipal governments or environmental consulting firms
- Bilingual capabilities for international or multilingual project sites
National Average Salary
Environmental engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Environmental Engineer is:
$100,650
Sample Job Description Templates for Environmental Engineers
Entry-Level Environmental Engineer
Position Overview
The entry-level environmental engineer supports the design and implementation of environmental systems and compliance programs under the guidance of senior staff. This role is ideal for recent graduates who are eager to apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects and develop technical expertise in areas such as water treatment, pollution control, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the design of environmental systems, including wastewater treatment and air quality controls
- Collect and analyze environmental data and samples from project sites
- Support environmental impact assessments and remediation planning
- Help prepare reports, permit applications, and technical documentation
- Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and regulatory agencies during fieldwork and office tasks
- Contribute to environmental audits and inspections
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with environmental regulations and reporting standards
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, GIS, or similar software
- Basic understanding of environmental sampling and monitoring procedures
- Ability to analyze and interpret environmental data
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Ability to follow instructions and work within a team
- Organizational and time management skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field
Mid-Level Environmental Engineer
Position Overview
The mid-level environmental engineer independently executes portions of environmental projects and supports project management activities. This role requires both technical knowledge and project coordination skills, as the engineer begins to take ownership of workstreams and client deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Manage field activities including site assessments, sampling, and data collection
- Develop engineering designs for environmental systems and monitor implementation
- Draft environmental reports, proposals, and compliance documentation
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies on permitting and remediation efforts
- Mentor junior engineers and interns on best practices and procedures
- Track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with environmental modeling, risk assessments, and technical report writing
- Proficiency with GIS, CAD, and data visualization software
- Solid understanding of EPA, OSHA, and other applicable environmental regulations
- Capable of designing and implementing treatment or control systems
Soft skills
- Initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across complex projects
- Mentorship and guidance for junior team members
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or related field
- Master’s degree is a plus for specialization
Senior Environmental Engineer
Position Overview
The senior environmental engineer leads large-scale environmental projects and serves as a technical authority within their organization. They oversee engineering solutions from design to execution and ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations while managing client relationships and team performance.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and execution of complex remediation or infrastructure projects
- Oversee environmental assessments, permitting, and reporting for major clients
- Serve as a subject matter expert on environmental compliance and risk mitigation
- Supervise project teams and assign responsibilities across disciplines
- Liaise with clients, regulators, and senior stakeholders to align project goals
- Review and approve technical documents and reports prepared by junior staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep expertise in site remediation, sustainability systems, or pollution control
- Strong command of environmental legislation and permitting requirements
- Project lifecycle management from planning to post-construction evaluation
- Advanced modeling, technical design, and software proficiency
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure
- Exceptional client and stakeholder communication
- Leadership and team-building capabilities
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent large-scale projects
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree strongly preferred
- PE license typically required for public-sector or client-facing roles
Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification
Lead Environmental Engineer
Position Overview
The lead environmental engineer oversees multidisciplinary engineering teams and serves as the bridge between technical operations and business strategy. This role focuses on high-level project oversight, innovation, and continuous improvement, driving solutions that are environmentally sound and cost-effective.
Responsibilities
- Direct the execution of multiple complex engineering projects
- Provide guidance to internal teams and external partners
- Ensure that environmental strategies align with corporate and regulatory goals
- Evaluate and approve project scopes, budgets, and timelines
- Innovate and implement sustainable engineering practices and tools
- Mentor engineering staff and lead technical training initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of environmental project planning, design, and implementation
- Advanced regulatory and permitting knowledge across jurisdictions
- Strong financial and risk management skills in engineering contexts
- Skilled in proposal development and client negotiations
Soft skills
- High-level leadership and people management
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders
- Strong business acumen combined with technical expertise
- Problem-solving at both strategic and operational levels
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred
- PE license required
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER
- CEE or equivalent recommended
Principal Environmental Engineer
Position Overview
The principal environmental engineer provides executive-level technical leadership, strategy, and innovation for large organizations or consultancies. This individual influences environmental policy, business development, and engineering excellence on a national or global scale.
Responsibilities
- Shape and lead long-term environmental engineering strategy and vision
- Serve as lead technical advisor for regulatory policy and compliance matters
- Establish company-wide standards and best practices for environmental engineering
- Guide major project pursuits and oversee high-stakes technical negotiations
- Build and nurture partnerships with clients, agencies, and industry leaders
- Represent the organization at conferences, panels, and industry forums
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in environmental design, remediation, compliance, and consulting
- Proven track record of leading multi-million-dollar environmental programs
- Strategic planning and high-level risk mitigation skills
- Excellence in client relationship management and technical leadership
Soft skills
- Executive presence and ability to influence organizational direction
- Public speaking and thought leadership capabilities
- Visionary leadership with a focus on innovation
- Deep mentorship and coaching expertise
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s or doctorate preferred
- PE license required
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER
- CEE strongly recommended