The term environmental engineer is applied to people who handle problems involving water, air, and land pollution, waste management, and environmental sustainability. These are people who work in offices, construction sites, and laboratories. They study how to make the world a cleaner place by reducing pollution, treating waste products properly, conserving natural resources (such as water), and working to ensure that the earth’s natural environment remains sustainable. Environmental engineers collect data on environmental conditions and pollution levels to develop solutions targeted at specific locations and issues. They also supervise research staff and other professionals in an engineering firm or government agency.

The first environmental engineering degree program in the United States was founded in 1897 at MIT. Since then, new programs have been developed which add to both the number of students and the diversity of options and opportunities for fieldwork. These include measures to alter existing structures and systems to meet new or updated standards; planning constructive projects, including projects incorporating green-technologies; and proposing revisions or plans to prevent negative impacts on the environment.

A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is the minimum educational requirement for employment as an environmental engineer. There are two major branches of environmental engineering. One branch focuses on the removal of pollutants from soil, water and air. The other branch focuses on reducing the presence of pollutants and hazards that affect the environment in order to create a healthy living environment.

Environmental engineers may be employed directly by a company to help with a specific project. They may also work for local and state departments, such as the EPA, or they may work for private consulting firms. When environmental engineers work on an environmental project, they must first use their technical skills to determine the best environmental solution for the company or place where they are working. For example, if an area is polluted, the cause of the pollution must be identified.