Environmental Engineer Mataaro Taiao

Environmental engineers assess and reduce the impact of engineering projects on water, soil and air. They also plan and design systems to treat and remove waste.

video_library Watch Video

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) graduates may apply to gain registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with Engineering New Zealand.

Engineering technologists who meet set requirements may apply to Engineering New Zealand to be registered as an engineering technologist (CMEngNZ).

Environmental engineers may do some or all of the following:

  • report on environmental impacts of construction, infrastructure, farming and engineering projects
  • advise how to minimise environmental impacts of projects 
  • prepare reports, sketches, technical drawings and specifications for projects
  • plan and manage projects, and visit and check sites
  • design waste-management systems
  • take air, water and land samples, and get them tested for pollution
  • advise on pollution treatment methods
  • prepare environmental assessments for resource consent applications
  • supervise contractors carrying out work.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for environmental engineers includes:

  • drafting
  • surveying
  • engineering
  • environmental or outdoors work.

Personal Qualities

Environmental engineers need to be:

  • practical and logical, with good problem-solving skills
  • accurate, with an eye for detail
  • good at planning and organising
  • good communicators
  • able to work well as part of a team
  • able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Skills

Environmental engineers need to have knowledge of:

  • civil engineering
  • air, water and land pollution control methods
  • public health issues
  • relevant legislation such as the Resource Management Act and New Zealand Building Code
  • analysis and interpretation skills to meet client requirements
  • computer modelling software.

Conditions

Environmental engineers:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines
  • work in offices, and at outdoor work sites
  • may travel to work and to attend conferences and seminars.

Environmental Engineers can earn around $45K-$75K per year.

Chances of getting a job as a Environmental Engineer are good due to a shortage of people interested in this type of work.

Pay for environmental engineers varies depending on skills and experience.

  • Graduate environmental engineers usually earn $45,000 to $75,000 a year.
  • Mid-level environmental engineers can earn between $75,000 and $95,000.
  • Senior environmental engineers who work as managers can earn between $95,000 and $130,000.
  • Principal environmental engineers responsible for overseeing projects can earn between $130,000 and $160,000. 

Sources: Engineering New Zealand, 'Remuneration Survey 2019', 2020; Hays, 'FY 2019/20 Salary Guide’, 2020; and Michael Page, '2019 Salary Benchmark Guide', 2020. 

Environmental engineers may progress to set up their own business and work as self-employed contractors, or move into managerial roles or become partners in an engineering firm.

Environmental engineers may specialise in:

  • wastewater
  • stormwater
  • overland flow and flooding
  • erosion and sediment control
  • contaminated land management
  • earthworks management
  • industrial trade activities. 

Years Of Training

3-4 years of training required.

To become an environmental engineer you usually need to have a Bachelor's degree in engineering.

You can complete a four-year Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, specialising in environmental, civil or natural resources engineering. 

Environmental Engineer