Also called: Environmental Engineer (Water)
Designs the plants and processes that make water safe to drink and clean sewage before it returns to rivers.
You design a new filtration step to remove 'forever chemicals' (PFAS), run pilot tests at a plant, and help an operator solve a taste-and-odor problem.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in environmental or civil engineering; PE license.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI speeds plant design and modeling; licensed engineers still answer for safe drinking water.
Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Environmental Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2081.
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