How to become an environmental engineer
Draw on multiple aspects of engineering to solve water, waste, and sustainability challenges.
Pathways to this career
Complete an undergraduate degree in environmental engineering or civil engineering with a major in environmental engineering.
While studying, secure an internship or placement program to gain valuable hands-on experience and mentorship.
Consider postgraduate degree in environmental engineering to advance your career progression and employment opportunities.
Join relevant industry bodies such as Engineers Australia to stay up to date with industry news and certify your qualifications.
What does an environmental engineer do?
Environmental engineers strive to limit or solve environmental problems caused by human activities like building and development. Their work protects people and the environment from pollution, and advances environmental quality through improved recycling, waste disposal, and water management.
Duties and tasks
Assess and improve on potable water supply, and wastewater and solid waste collection, treatment, and disposal.
Work on air pollution prevention.
Design sewage treatment, water supply, and refuse disposal systems.
Research environmental problems including acid rain and climate change.
Collaborate with other engineering and science professionals.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Discover related degrees
Master of Professional Engineering (Environmental and Sustainable Resources Engineering)
PostgraduateUSQ-PEE-MAS
Advanced environmental engineering topics and practical experience
Bolster your engineering degree with real-world problem solving. You’ll delve into water resources, modelling, technology, and more. Get practical with hands-on lab work plus industry experience. Pave the way for exciting roles as a professional engineer.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
PostgraduateUON-CLE-MAS
Power a clean energy future with advanced skills and leadership
Lead the global shift to clean energy. You’ll build advanced expertise in solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. Delve into storage, smart grids, and policy. Grow as a leader. Graduate ready to drive sustainable energy projects worldwide.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control
PostgraduateGRF-EPC-MAS
Find solutions for the problems facing the planet
Get set to lead environmental engineering practices in the public sector, resource related sectors, infrastructure sectors, and the consulting sector. Work to resolve issues around solid and hazardous waste, wastewater and air pollution control.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of Environmental Engineering
PostgraduateGRF-ENG-MAS
Build smart sustainability practices for everyone to benefit from
Bring sustainability into engineering work practices. Work to solve environmental issues. Specialise in areas like waste management, water treatment, air quality control, and renewable energy. Work in public or private practice, or consulting.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Discover related subjects
Analysis of Geospatial Information
UndergraduateTAS-KGG212
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 6 Jul 2026
Remote Sensing: observing the Earth from above
UndergraduateTAS-KGG103
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 6 Jul 2026
PostgraduateCUR-SCP530
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Sustainable Engineering Practice
UndergraduateADU-ENGI1010
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 6 Apr 2026, 21 Sep 2026
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