Water/Wastewater Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$100K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

5.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Water/Wastewater Engineer?

A Water/Wastewater Engineer designs, develops, and oversees projects involving the management, distribution, and treatment of water and wastewater. They work to ensure that water treatment processes are efficient, sustainable, and compliant with environmental regulations.

Sample job titles:

Consulting Engineer, County Engineer, Engineer, Project Development Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Water/Wastewater Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Water/Wastewater Engineer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Water/Wastewater Engineer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$57K per year	$75K per year	$100K per year	$130K per year	$163K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $35K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Water/Wastewater Engineer do?

Work environment

Water/Wastewater Engineers typically work in offices, laboratories, and field sites. They may be employed by government agencies, environmental organizations, civil engineering firms, or utilities companies. Their role often involves site visits, outdoor work, and collaboration with other engineers, technicians, and environmental scientists.

Quick task list

Designs and oversees water and wastewater treatment systems.
Develops projects to manage water resources sustainably.
Ensures compliance with environmental and health regulations.
Conducts research and implements new water treatment technologies.
Collaborates with teams to manage water infrastructure projects.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Water Resource Engineering: Focusing on the management and conservation of water resources.
Wastewater Treatment Design: Specializing in the design and operation of wastewater treatment plants.
Environmental Compliance: Ensuring engineering projects comply with environmental laws and regulations.
Hydraulic Engineering: Dealing with the flow and conveyance of fluids, primarily water.
Stormwater Management: Designing systems to manage and treat stormwater runoff.

Description

Water/Wastewater Engineers play a crucial role in the sustainability and environmental health of communities. They design systems that ensure the safe supply of drinking water and the effective treatment of wastewater. This involves applying principles from various engineering disciplines, including civil, chemical, and environmental engineering. Their work helps to protect water resources, improve public health, and minimize the environmental impact of water and waste systems.

These engineers must be skilled in design, analysis, and problem-solving. They need a thorough understanding of water treatment processes, hydraulic systems, and environmental regulations. They also require strong communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and to explain complex engineering concepts to non-engineers, including public officials or community stakeholders.

The field is evolving with advancements in technology and increased environmental awareness. Water/Wastewater Engineers must keep up with the latest technological developments and regulatory changes in water resource management. They often work on diverse projects, from local water utility upgrades to large-scale water treatment plants, offering a dynamic and impactful career path.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the environmental sustainability and public health of communities.
Working on a variety of projects that have tangible benefits for society.
The intellectual challenge of solving complex engineering problems.

You might make a good Water/Wastewater Engineer if you are...

Passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability.
Skilled in analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Interested in designing systems that improve public health and the environment.
Able to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals.
Motivated to keep up with technological and regulatory changes in the field.

Pros:

Working in a field that directly contributes to environmental sustainability.
Diverse career opportunities in government, private sector, and non-profits.
Potential for innovation and working with cutting-edge technology.

Cons:

Work can sometimes require dealing with hazardous materials or conditions.
May involve high-pressure situations, particularly when managing emergency or compliance issues.
Need for continual learning to keep pace with regulatory and technological changes.

How to become a Water/Wastewater Engineer

Typical education

This occupation typically requires a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field, totaling about 4 years of post-secondary education. A master's degree may be required for certain positions or advancement.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced courses in mathematics, especially calculus and algebra.
Science courses, particularly chemistry and physics.
Environmental science to understand ecological principles and challenges.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in environmental clubs or groups.
Engaging in science fairs, particularly with projects related to water and the environment.
Volunteering with local environmental conservation or water treatment facilities.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field.
Consider internships or co-op programs in water treatment or environmental engineering.
Gain certifications or pursue a master's degree for advanced roles.
Stay informed about emerging trends in water resource management and sustainability.

More resources

American Water Works Association (AWWA) - Provides resources and information for water professionals.
Water Environment Federation (WEF) - Offers educational resources and networking for water quality professionals.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Water Topics - Information on various water-related environmental topics.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - Professional organization offering resources and information for civil engineers.

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