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Engineering and environment consultant

Environmental engineering consultants use their expertise to advise corporations, organizations and government entities. Consultants may use different metrics, such as air, food, water or soil, in order to identify and evaluate problems. Additionally, these professionals may be experts in implementing environmental programs or ensuring compliance with government regulations.

Project Summary

Consultants typically begin a project by understanding the problem. This may include fieldwork, such as taking soil samples and monitoring drilling, as well as office work like performing laboratory tests and analyzing data. Consultants may also research specific inquiries like the potential effects of construction or the impact of offshore drilling on marine life. Once the analysis process is complete, consultants present technical assessments and provide solutions and methods for implementation.

Gaining Experience

Entry-level consultants generally begin as field agents or research analysts. As new hires gain experience, they may begin to take on more responsibility, including writing reports, managing projects and meeting with other specialists. Consultants may also use computer applications like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map water toxicity and over-fished areas as well as producing other environmental diagrams. GIS software may also be used with environmental statistics and computer modeling to forecast probable outcomes.

Career Outlook

While it doesn’t compile figures for consultants in the field, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), said job opportunities for environmental scientists are expected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029. Median annual wages were $71,360 in May 2019.

Entry-level consultants typically have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental science or related field. Consultants may be promoted to supervisory or managerial roles by completing a 2-year MBA in environmental management or sustainability.

A position as an environmental engineering consultant could involve working in the field, in a laboratory, or in a business or office setting. These consultants may have specialized knowledge of one particular area, or be knowledgeable about something more broad. Entry into this field may begin with a research or analyst job to gain relevant knowledge and experience.