Environmental Engineer: Careers in Water, Waste and Net Zero
Protecting people and the planet: six career paths and how to get started
Clean water, safe waste disposal, protection from flooding and the move to net zero all depend on engineers. An environmental engineer uses science and engineering to protect people and the natural world, and to help organisations reduce their impact. It is a broad, rewarding field with strong demand from water companies, consultancies, regulators and energy firms. This guide explores six career paths, the skills employers want and how to get started.
What does an environmental engineer do?
The work is varied. You might design a treatment process for drinking water, model a river to predict flooding, plan the clean-up of contaminated land, assess the environmental impact of a new road or help a factory cut its carbon emissions. Most roles combine office-based analysis and design with site visits and data collection.
The common thread is solving problems where engineering meets the environment, often under strict regulations and with input from scientists, planners and communities.
6 rewarding career paths
1. Water and wastewater
Designing and running treatment works, pipelines and pumping stations for water companies and their partners.
2. Flood risk and drainage
Modelling rivers, coasts and drainage networks, and designing defences and sustainable drainage systems.
3. Waste and resources
Planning recycling, energy-from-waste and landfill facilities, and helping move towards a circular economy.
4. Contaminated land and remediation
Investigating and cleaning up polluted sites so they can be safely reused.
5. Environmental impact and consents
Assessing the effects of new projects and securing the permits they need.
6. Energy and decarbonisation
Working on renewable energy, carbon reduction, energy efficiency and carbon capture.
Becoming a water engineer
The water industry is one of the largest employers in this field. A water engineer might design treatment processes, plan new reservoirs and pipelines, reduce leakage or improve the performance of sewer networks to cut pollution. Water companies are delivering large investment programmes, so there is demand for engineers at every level, from graduates to programme managers.
Hydraulic modelling, process design and asset management are particularly valuable skills, along with an understanding of environmental permits and water quality standards.
Flood risk management
Flooding affects homes and businesses across the UK, and climate change is making extreme weather more frequent. Engineers working in flood risk assess where flooding could happen, model how water will flow, and design defences, storage areas and natural flood management schemes. They work with the Environment Agency, local authorities, developers and consultancies.
Skills in hydrology, hydraulic modelling software and GIS mapping are in demand, and many roles offer a good balance of office and fieldwork.
Net zero jobs for engineers
The UK’s commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is creating a wide range of net zero jobs. Engineers are needed for renewable energy, grid upgrades, low-carbon heating, hydrogen, carbon capture and energy efficiency. Organisations also need people who can measure and reduce carbon across their operations and supply chains. If wind energy interests you, read our guide on how to become an offshore wind engineer.
Skills and training
- A relevant degree in environmental, civil, chemical or mechanical engineering, or environmental science.
- Modelling and data skills, including GIS and hydraulic or process modelling.
- Regulatory knowledge of permits, environmental impact assessment and pollution control.
- Communication with clients, regulators and local communities.
- Fieldwork and sampling experience.
Professional bodies such as the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) offer membership, training and routes to chartership.
Find environmental roles with Bernoullis
Our environmental engineering recruitment team works with employers across the UK, from small specialist firms to household names. Check how your CV matches the roles you want with our CV checker, browse our latest engineering vacancies or contact us for a confidential chat about your next move as an environmental engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an environmental engineer do?
They use engineering and science to protect people and the environment, working on water, waste, flood risk, contaminated land and carbon reduction.
What qualifications do I need?
Most roles ask for a degree in environmental, civil, chemical or mechanical engineering, or environmental science.
What is CIWEM?
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management is a professional body for people working in water and the environment.
Are there many net zero jobs for engineers?
Yes. Renewable energy, grid upgrades, low-carbon heating, hydrogen and energy efficiency all need engineers, and demand is growing.
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