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Useful experience for environmental engineers includes:

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

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.

Shortage of environmental engineers

Opportunities for environmental engineers are good due to a shortage of skilled workers.

Environmental engineer appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled environmental engineers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 357 environmental engineers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Best job chances in the North Island

Job opportunities for environmental engineers are increasing as the Government invests in infrastructure in the North Island.

Auckland and Wellington in particular require civil infrastructure engineers with experience in stormwater systems.

Changing environmental rules mean increasing demand for engineers

New environmental standards mean local authorities are upgrading their stormwater infrastructure. Environmental engineers are needed to help design and supervise this work. 

Demand for environmental engineers to work on stormwater systems is likely to grow as more frequent, severe weather events cause increased flooding. 

Environmental engineers are also needed to help monitor the environmental impact of construction and infrastructure projects.

Types of employers varied

Environmental engineers may work for a variety of employers, including:

• private engineering consultancies
• regional and local government authorities
• infrastructure and utility companies such as roading and electricity companies
• government agencies such as the Ministry for the Environment.

Engineering New Zealand

(04) 473 9444 - hello@engineeringnz.org - www.engineeringnz.org

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. 

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.