From global warming to water shortages, the Earth’s ecosystem is in crisis. Environmental engineers develop water distribution systems, sewage treatment plants, recycling methods, and other pollution prevention and control methods to solve current problems and prevent new ones.

Make a Difference!
Well, clearly, almost any work environmental engineers engage in helps make the planet a better place, whether they’re helping to cut urban air pollution or reduce the use of pesticides on farms.

Did you know?
Environmental engineers use cutting-edge technologies in the fight against pollution, including autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles to take air quality samples.

Where Do They Work?
Environmental engineering graduates have many career options at their disposal. Certainly many work for major environmental engineering/consulting firms (Groundwater and Environmental Services, Roux Associates, Greeley & Hansen, Veolia Environment), as well as construction companies (Clark Construction). Several federal agencies — particularly the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior — are big sources of jobs, as are environmental advocacy groups (Sierra Club, National Wildlife Fund). States also have environmental protection and natural resources department.

Meet An Engineer!
Fawn Bergen attended the University of Florida and is now a senior consulting engineer at Koogler and Associates in Gainsville, Fla., where she specializes in air quality projects. She decided to major in environmental engineering because she loves math and science. Bergen also says her mother was somewhat of a hippie and taught her children the importance of being environmentally aware: “She was recycling before it was the cool thing to do.”

COOL FACT: Bergen was awarded the 2009 Outstanding Young Professional Award from the Air and Waste Management Association, a group she’s long been actively involved with. She helped establish the association’s student program in Florida.

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