Environmental Engineers

Air Pollution Control Engineer

Engineer

Engineering Consultant

Environmental Analyst

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Remediation Specialist

Hazardous Substances Engineer

Sanitary Engineer

What is an Environmental Engineer?

Environmental engineers are professionals who apply engineering principles to improve and maintain the environment for the protection of human health and at-risk ecosystems. They work on a range of projects aimed at preventing pollution, managing waste, and developing sustainable practices to minimize the impact of human activities on the natural world. These engineers design systems and processes to solve environmental problems, such as water and air pollution, waste management, and sustainable resource usage. They often collaborate with government agencies, private companies, and communities to develop effective strategies for environmental protection and compliance with regulations. By integrating technology, science, and policy, environmental engineers contribute to a more sustainable future, addressing issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and conservation of natural resources.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$63370.0 - $156530.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.

Technology Skills

Analytical or scientific software
Desktop communications software
- Eko
Compliance software
- Greenhouse gas management software
- Hazardous materials management HMS software
- Material safety data sheet MSDS software
- Regulatory compliance management software
Computer aided design CAD software
- AutoCAD
- AutoCAD Civil 3D
- MicroStation
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
Geographic information system

Tools Used

Photometer
- Laser photometers
- Luminometers
Mass spectrometers
- Plasma-mass spectrometers
- Trace metal analyzers
Spectrophotometers
- Fluorescence spectrophotometers
Air velocity and temperature monitors
Flowmeters
- Flow meters
- Pitot tubes

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

198 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R55,089pm

Are You Ready to Become an Environmental Engineer in South Africa?

As South Africa continues to balance industrial growth with ecological preservation, the role of the Environmental Engineer has never been more critical. With 184 active jobs currently available and a strong salary trajectory, this career path offers both stability and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on our country's natural heritage. Whether it is managing water scarcity in the Western Cape or mitigating mining impacts in Mpumalanga, your expertise will be the bridge between development and sustainability.

Is Environmental Engineering Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this rigorous career path, it is essential to assess whether your natural inclinations align with the demands of the profession. Consider the following traits:

Analytical Problem-Solving: Do you enjoy breaking down complex systems to find efficient, sustainable solutions?
Ethical Responsibility: Are you committed to upholding the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and protecting public health?
Mathematical and Scientific Aptitude: Do you possess a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and advanced physics?
Communication Skills: Can you translate technical data into clear reports for government stakeholders, clients, and community members?
Resilience: Are you prepared to work in diverse environments, from corporate boardrooms to remote, rugged field sites?
Attention to Detail: Do you have the patience to oversee meticulous environmental impact assessments and compliance audits?

A Day in the Life of a South African Environmental Engineer

In the South African context, your daily routine will rarely be "desk-bound." You might start your morning in the office, using GIS software to model groundwater flow or drafting a waste management programme for a new industrial development. By midday, you could be on-site at a manufacturing plant in Gauteng or a renewable energy farm in the Northern Cape, conducting soil samples or inspecting emission control systems.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the job. You will frequently liaise with hydrologists, urban planners, and government officials to ensure that every project meets stringent South African regulatory standards. It is a career that demands a balance of high-level technical design and hands-on environmental monitoring.

Education, Upskilling, and Market Outlook

The path to becoming a professional engineer is structured and demanding. Most practitioners hold a BEng or BSc in Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline such as Civil or Chemical Engineering with a focus on environmental systems. For those entering through the technical route, an Advanced Diploma or BTech from a TVET or University of Technology is a viable pathway, provided it is accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

However, a degree is only the starting point. To remain competitive, you must embrace continuous learning. Specialised certifications in ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), Carbon Footprint Accounting, or Environmental Law are highly regarded by local employers. This commitment to upskilling is well-rewarded; the current average salary is R55,089pm, and market data shows a significant upward trend. In 2024, industry benchmarks saw average monthly earnings rise from approximately R48,479 in January to a projected R60,598 by December, reflecting the growing demand for environmental expertise.

Next Steps

If you have a passion for innovation and a deep-seated desire to protect South Africa’s unique ecosystems, you are already halfway there. However, professional engineering requires a specific blend of cognitive ability and temperament. Do not leave your career choice to chance. Test your readiness now by completing our comprehensive professional assessment to see if you have the profile to thrive in this rewarding field.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

62 %
Master's degree

29 %
Associate's degree

5 %

Work Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Detailed Work Activities

Design environmental control systems.
Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.
Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.
Determine operational criteria or specifications.

Work Interests

Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.