In this article (and video above), which is the fifth and final video in a five-part series about the five different civil engineering disciplines, we dive into the world of Water Resources & Environmental Engineering. If you’ve ever wondered what this field is all about or what a Water Resource and Environmental Engineer actually does, you’re in the right place.
We’ll be exploring the different responsibilities of Water Resource and Environmental Engineers, the qualifications needed to apply for Water Resources Jobs, and the typical responsibilities that come with this role. So, whether you’re a student considering a career in Water Resources & Environmental Engineering or just interested in learning more about this field, stay tuned for an informative and engaging discussion.
What is Water Resources & Environmental Engineering?
Water resources and environmental engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the study and management of water resources and the natural environment. This field combines principles from a range of disciplines, including civil engineering, environmental science, hydrology, geology, and ecology. Each of these disciplines are separate but sometimes they get discussed together.
Water resources engineering involves the planning, design, and management of water supply systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and stormwater management systems. This includes the construction and maintenance of dams, reservoirs, pipelines, and other water supply infrastructure.
Environmental engineering involves the study of environmental systems and the development of solutions to protect and improve the quality of air, water, and soil. This includes the design and implementation of pollution control systems, waste management systems, and remediation plans for contaminated sites.
Overall, the field of water resources and environmental engineering is focused on managing the earth’s natural resources in a sustainable and responsible manner, while addressing the growing concerns around climate change and environmental degradation.
Main Responsibilities of Water Resource and Environmental Engineers:
Water Resource and Environmental Engineers perform a variety of tasks related to managing and protecting water resources and the natural environment. Some of their main responsibilities include:
- Designing water supply and treatment systems: Water Resource and Environmental Engineers design and develop systems that provide clean water for human consumption, agricultural use, and industrial processes. They also design systems for treating wastewater and stormwater to ensure that they are safe for release into the environment.
- Developing sustainable water management plans: Water Resource and Environmental Engineers are responsible for developing plans and strategies for managing water resources in a sustainable and efficient manner. This includes assessing water availability, developing water conservation plans, and implementing strategies for water reuse and recycling.
- Conducting environmental assessments: Water Resource and Environmental Engineers assess the environmental impact of proposed construction projects and infrastructure developments. They conduct environmental impact assessments to identify potential environmental risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Developing pollution control systems: Water Resource and Environmental Engineers design and develop systems to control and mitigate the impact of pollution on the environment. This includes designing wastewater treatment systems, developing air pollution control systems, and implementing solid waste management plans.
- Conducting research and development: Water Resource and Environmental Engineers conduct research to improve understanding of the earth’s natural systems and develop new technologies to better manage and protect water resources and the environment.
Overall, Water Resource and Environmental Engineers play a critical role in developing and implementing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The typical qualifications needed to apply for Water Resources Jobs are:
- Bachelor’s or Graduate’s Degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering or engineering, or related Degree in science or engineering and equivalent experience.
- Experience with water resources protocols such as work in sewers, erosion control, sediment control, surveying, and pipelines.
- Comfortable collaborating with others to create cost estimates and solve problems.
- Fluent in quality analysis and able to lead.
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In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel. Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure your best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week.
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
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