Environmental Engineers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.82
Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.80
Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.80
Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.79
Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.79
Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.78
Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.74
Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.71
Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.71
Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.71
Prepare or present public briefings on the status of environmental engineering projects.70
Assist in budget implementation, forecasts, or administration.70

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Coordinate or manage environmental protection programs or projects, assigning or evaluating work.70
Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.70
Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.69
Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.69
Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.69
Request bids from suppliers or consultants.68
Inform company employees or other interested parties of environmental issues.67
Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.64
Provide administrative support for projects by collecting data, providing project documentation, training staff, or performing other general administrative duties.64
Provide environmental engineering assistance in network analysis, regulatory analysis, or planning or reviewing database development.63
Develop or present environmental compliance training or orientation sessions.63
Provide assistance with planning, quality assurance, safety inspection protocols, or sampling as part of a team conducting multimedia inspections at complex facilities.63
Develop, implement, or manage plans or programs related to conservation or management of natural resources.61
Assess, sort, characterize, or pack known or unknown materials.61
Prepare hazardous waste manifests or land disposal restriction notifications.60
Attend professional conferences to share information.58
Write reports or articles for Web sites or newsletters related to environmental engineering issues.57

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
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 Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making72
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination69
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Mathematics60
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science60
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

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Systems Analysis56
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation56
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Personnel Resources44
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Operations Monitoring41
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis41
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Analysis38
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Financial Resources31
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources31
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control25
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting16
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Engineering and Technology99
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.
Design91
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Chemistry76
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.
Mathematics75
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction72
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
English Language70
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Physics69
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Biology66
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Customer and Personal Service66
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics65
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Law and Government60
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Mechanical58
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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Administration and Management57
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Economics and Accounting53
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Public Safety and Security51
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Education and Training50
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Sales and Marketing48
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Geography41
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Personnel and Human Resources41
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative36
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media36
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Production and Processing35
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Telecommunications35
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation30
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Psychology24
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sociology and Anthropology18
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
History and Archeology13
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry10
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Foreign Language9
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Food Production8
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Philosophy and Theology4
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
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.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas69
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Information Ordering66
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Originality66
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

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Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization50
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Trunk Strength22
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Auditory Attention19
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception19
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed19
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Hearing Sensitivity16
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Finger Dexterity10
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information85
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers85
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 Problems83
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information81
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards79
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings79
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work76
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Developing Objectives and Strategies74
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Processing Information74
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment73
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others73
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others73
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others72
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge72
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials70
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization69
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships69
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Scheduling Work and Activities69
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Documenting/Recording Information68
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates68
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Thinking Creatively68
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing and Building Teams67
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information67
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People64
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources64
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public63
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Training and Teaching Others62
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coaching and Developing Others61
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others58
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Staffing Organizational Units55
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing Administrative Activities44
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Selling or Influencing Others44
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Assisting and Caring for Others41
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing General Physical Activities35
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment30
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Controlling Machines and Processes29
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects24
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment23
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment22
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail88
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability83
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness81
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Innovation77
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Intellectual Curiosity75
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Integrity74
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation68
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Adaptability61
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation61
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence57
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative55
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity50
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Leadership Orientation49
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Social Orientation46
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Stress Tolerance45
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control42
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity37
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility21
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Empathy20
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism20
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative85
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.
Realistic70
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.
Conventional60
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.
Enterprising36
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social20
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic16
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day95%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day89%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day42%
- Once a week or more but not every day58%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important45%
- Very important50%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours62%
- 40 hours38%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others33%
- Contact with others most of the time43%
- Contact with others about half the time19%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom33%
- Some freedom43%
- Limited freedom19%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility38%
- High responsibility38%
- Moderate responsibility14%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important33%
- Very important38%
- Important29%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important33%
- Very important38%
- Important24%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually19%
- More than half the time62%
- About half the time14%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results24%
- Important results48%
- Moderate results19%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom62%
- Limited freedom29%
Time Pressure
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day52%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day47%
- Once a month or more but not every week37%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important55%
- Important25%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility21%
- High responsibility37%
- Moderate responsibility26%
- Limited responsibility16%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive30%
- Moderately competitive60%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious20%
- Very serious20%
- Serious30%
- Fairly serious20%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week42%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)60%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)25%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never24%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important20%
- Important30%
- Fairly important15%
- Not important at all25%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week50%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week50%
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time65%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Less than half the time45%
- Never30%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
- Never29%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time85%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month67%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated37%
- Slightly automated37%
- Not at all automated26%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month57%
- Never19%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month65%
- Never20%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never45%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Less than half the time47%
- Never37%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)33%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)62%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never40%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never35%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
- Never38%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
- Never45%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time52%
- Never43%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time40%
- Never55%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time48%
- Never48%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important16%
- Not important at all74%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time47%
- Never53%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never71%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never76%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never80%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
DHI Water and Environment MIKE SHE, Insightful S-PLUS, RockWare MODFLOW, The MathWorks MATLAB
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
Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software, ESRI ArcView, Geographic information system GIS systems
Office suite software
Business software applications, Microsoft Office software
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Python
Map creation software
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software, Oil mapping software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
Photogrammetric software
Development environment software
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Industrial control software
Fugitive emission leak detection software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

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.
Prepare operational reports.
Monitor activities affecting environmental quality.
Maintain operational records or records systems.
Prepare technical or operational reports.
Develop technical methods or processes.
Prepare procedural documents.
Direct environmental development activities.

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Explain project details to the general public.
Prepare project budgets.
Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Assist engineers or scientists with research.
Teach safety standards or environmental compliance methods.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Package materials for transport.
Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Attend conferences or workshops to maintain professional knowledge.
Exchange information with colleagues.
Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
Write reports or evaluations.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology