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  3. Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineer

NOC #21300

  • Environment Indoor/office and Outdoor work
  • Education Post-secondary degree
  • Average salary $72,000 to $126,000

Career profile

Environmental engineers play a central role the energy industry by applying a structured and strategic approach to managing critical issues including sanitation, filtration systems, climate change, wastewater management, and land use. They meticulously plan, design, and oversee a whole range of activities and processes aimed at protecting the environment by preventing, controlling, and remediating potential environmental impacts.

Specialization is common in this field with environmental engineers focusing on specific areas such as air quality, water management, or waste control. Key responsibilities include environmental auditing, testing, and the crucial task of ensuring regulatory compliance and reporting.

Environmental engineers engage in diverse activities, including the treatment of water and waste, site investigation, and remediation where thorough environmental site assessments are conducted. They are also involved in pollution control measures. Their expertise extends to actively participating in, and often leading, regulatory processes, such as environmental impact assessments which scrutinize facilities and field operations to ensure strict adherence to government regulations and permitting conditions.

Environmental engineers are integral to engaging with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders. They establish connections with regulatory agencies, contractors, and internal teams to guarantee that all activities align with environmental objectives and requirements.

Exploration and production, Offshore, Pipelines, Oil sands, Oil and gas services, Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Emissions reduction, Well site decommissioning, Engineering, design and procurement, Start-up and commissioning, Geothermal, Wind

When you start in this occupation activities may include:

  • Collecting field samples (e.g., air, water, soil)
  • Analyzing air, water and soil samples
  • Monitoring sites and procedures to confirm that private and public operations are in compliance with environmental regulations

As you advance in this career, you may take on additional tasks including:

  • Evaluating current system performance and incorporating innovations or developing new technologies to enhance environmental protection
  • Providing technical problem-solving support and assistance to internal departments on mitigation practices to prevent or minimize impacts to natural resources and local communities and businesses in accordance with regulations

Education

  • A post-secondary degree in environmental engineering is typically required, but related disciplines such as agrology, biology, geology and chemistry all can lead to this profession as well. In some roles, a graduate degree in a related engineering discipline is preferred.

Certification

  • Standard and emergency first aid

Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements and may include:

  • Respirator fit testing
  • Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
  • Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
  • H2S Alive®
  • Asbestos safety
  • Fall protection
  • Confined space entry

Licensing

  • To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
  • Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
  • Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.

  • Travel likely required
  • Shiftwork/variable work hours
  • Primarily outdoor work
  • Physical work
  • Safety-sensitive environment
  • Work away from home/in camps

You use math and science along with skills in communications and critical thinking to find practical solutions that benefit habitats, communities and the environment.

  • Critical thinking
  • Troubleshooting
  • Engineering and technology
  • Law and government
  • Quality control analysis
  • Judgment and decision making
  • Active listening
  • Chemistry
  • Planning and organizing
  • Design