Environmental engineers play a key role when it comes to addressing climate change and driving sustainability. Learn what environmental engineers do, including how various specialties like civil planning and natural sciences intersect to create sustainable energy solutions.
For those considering a career in energy engineering, we have a sample of the types of jobs and salaries available, as well as an overview of paths you can take to get there. So, if you’re interested in making a positive impact in the world, read on.
Career Opportunities in Energy Engineering
Because energy engineering is such a diverse field requiring highly specialized professionals, there are many types of career opportunities. Here are just a few.
Environmental Scientist
Average Senior Level Salary: $114,097
Job Description: Environmental scientists use their knowledge of natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They collect and analyze samples for pollutants, devise strategies for pollution remediation and waste reduction, and advise policymakers. Professionals might work in government agencies, consulting firms, or private enterprises to monitor the effects of human activities on the environment and assess the impact of environmental changes on human health.
Natural Resource Specialist
Average Senior Level Salary: $138,000
Job Description: Natural resource specialists study and protect sensitive habitats by observing wildlife, vegetation, and environmental impacts. They help create policies to protect natural resources and restore plants while also safeguarding people, property, and resources from threats like fires and preserving endangered animals. These specialists typically work in state or federal government agencies, enforcing protection laws and offering expertise for future regulations.
Land Surveyor
Average Senior Level Salary: $197,428
Job Description: Land surveyors must accurately measure land for construction and design purposes. Their responsibilities include setting boundaries, resolving property disputes, and creating maps. Land surveyors are important in construction, real estate, and legal matters and work for various agencies and companies. They require advanced training to handle diverse survey types and analyze environmental factors like soil, vegetation, and waterways.
Environmental Engineer
Average Senior Level Salary: $96,530
Job Description: Environmental engineers advocate for community health by promoting eco-friendly policies and programs. They assess potential hazards in construction or logistics projects to emphasize public safety. Collaborating with urban planners, environmental engineers address environmental concerns in development projects. They also participate in remediation efforts to ensure clean water and plan alternative energy solutions across various industries.
Public Health Engineer
Average Senior Level Salary: $81,641
Job Description: Public health engineers create tools and systems that ensure compliance with best practices in public health. They collect and analyze data and lab reports to develop policies and procedures aimed at improving health and safety. Public health engineers work primarily in governmental agencies, but they can also work in the private sector. They shape public health initiatives by educating the public, advocating for legislation, providing policy advice, and devising solutions to public health challenges.
Hydrologist
Average Senior Level Salary: $84,030
Job Description: Hydrologists study water movement on Earth, balancing office work with field analysis for governments and environmental firms. They monitor groundwater, collaborate on water resource management, and tackle issues like droughts and rising sea levels. Their expertise includes consulting on construction projects and researching the impacts of water, such as erosion caused by snowfall.
Energy Auditor
Average Senior Level Salary: $62,723
Job Description: Energy auditors evaluate buildings and systems to assess energy usage and recommend efficiency improvements. They use tools to analyze field data to help businesses, governments, and homeowners save money and reduce carbon footprints. They help energy companies and governments save money by setting energy benchmarks and educating users on efficiency.
Impact of Environmental Engineers on Climate Change
Environmental engineers play a major role in mitigating climate change through innovation, collaboration, and policy advocacy. To date, they’ve already made incredible advances in both engineering innovations and global climate policy.
Innovations in Energy Engineering
Environmental engineers have been responsible for some exciting advances in recent years. Just to name a few:
- Solar Energy Advancements: Engineers have developed more efficient solar panels and energy storage solutions, which have contributed to the increased adoption of solar energy.
- Wind Power Innovations: Advancements in wind turbine technology have led to higher efficiency and reduced costs, making wind power a competitive renewable energy source.
- Battery Storage Solutions: Environmental engineers are developing better battery storage systems for storing renewable energy and grid stability.
Collaboration and Policy Advocacy
Collaboration among environmental engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders is of paramount importance to implementing sustainable energy practices. Policy advocacy has already led to successful initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement, which drives global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy mandates and carbon pricing mechanisms are other examples of successful policy initiatives that have significantly contributed to fighting the effects of climate change.
Become a Leader in Energy Engineering With Johns Hopkins
If you’re interested in energy engineering, the Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals (JHU EP) program can help you get started. We have several graduate degree concentrations devoted to aspects of energy engineering, including our Master’s in Climate, Energy, and Environmental Sustainability, Master’s in Environmental Engineering, Master’s in Environmental Planning and Management, and several more. Learn from world-class, pioneering faculty online, onsite, or a hybrid of both.
Find your JHU EP program today, or contact us for more info