Umweltingenieur

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Environmental engineer (m/f/d)

A positive habitat for humans, animals and plants and a sustainable economy that conserves resources: this is what an environmental engineer does. They analyse current conditions and develop modern technology with the aim of protecting the environment. 

Read here to find out what specific tasks environmental engineers have, how much they earn in this career field and what training you need in environmental engineering.  

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Are you looking for an environmental engineer job (m/f/d)? 

Are you trained in environmental engineering and love to tinker and find innovative technical solutions? Would you like to use your knowledge to ensure a more sustainable future and are you looking for a new opportunity to do so? You'll find exciting jobs that suit you on our job board.

Are you looking for an experienced and competent environmental engineer (m/f/d)? 

Are you looking for real experts in environmental engineering? We have the right talents for you in our talent pool, who will drive your environmental projects forward with a wealth of experience. 

Are you looking for an exciting project as an environmental engineer (m/f/d)? 

Are you passionate about sustainability and want to use your valuable technical knowledge of environmental engineering to support innovative projects? We support you in the acquisition process and give you the projects that suit you. Have a look around our project exchange now? 

What is an environmental engineer? Definition and overview 

Environmental engineers specialise in the development of scientific and technical principles and equipment to solve and prevent environmental problems.  

This profession covers a wide range of tasks, including the assessment and control of environmental pollution, the development of sustainable technologies and the optimisation of existing systems, such as waste or water treatment plants. 

Environmental engineers often work at the interface between science, technology and society and play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. They use their technical expertise to develop solutions to complex environmental problems, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water quality and minimising the impact of human activity on natural ecosystems. 

The most important topics covered by the field of environmental technology are: 

  • Disposal process 

  • Renewable energies 

  • Noise and radiation protection 

  • Protection of water bodies 

  • Air pollution 

Overall, the environmental engineering profession is crucial to tackling the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Through their work, they contribute to improving the quality of life and shaping a sustainable future for generations to come. 

Environmental engineer salary: A comprehensive overview in environmental engineering 

Environmental engineers in Germany earn an average annual gross salary of around €53,000. A Master's degree, employment with a large company or in a large city, for example, have a positive influence on the salary in environmental engineering.  

The highest salaries in environmental engineering are paid in consulting and in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. 

Starting salary as an environmental engineer: your earnings after graduation 

Environmental engineers in Germany receive a starting salary of between €45,000 and €50,000 gross per year. The higher the degree, the higher the starting salary.  

Starting salary as an environmental engineer: your earnings after graduation 

Environmental engineers in Germany receive a starting salary of between €45,000 and €50,000 gross per year. The higher the degree, the higher the starting salary.  

Senior environmental engineer salary: Your salary as an experienced manager 

With increasing experience and promotion to management, earnings in environmental engineering also increase. With over 10 years of experience and personnel responsibility, the salary is between around €75,000 and €98,000 per year. 

Senior environmental engineer salary: Your salary as an experienced manager 

With increasing experience and promotion to management, earnings in environmental engineering also increase. With over 10 years of experience and personnel responsibility, the salary is between around €75,000 and €98,000 per year. 

What does an environmental engineer do? Tasks and activities   

The tasks of an environmental engineer are diverse and can vary greatly depending on the field of work and specialisation. Basically, environmental engineers represent an important interface between society and the economy, as they ensure a more sustainable future and compliance with laws and guidelines in companies. 

They can choose between two areas in environmental engineering: working in production, where they develop new technical solutions, and working in analysis and design, where they check and improve existing systems and devices. 

The wide range of tasks in environmental engineering varies depending on your decision. 

In general, however, the tasks of an environmental engineer cover the following areas: 
  1. Pollution assessment and control: Environmental engineers develop and implement strategies to reduce air, water and soil pollution. They carry out environmental audits and prepare reports on the environmental impact of various projects. 
  2. Consultation and collaboration with stakeholders: Environmental engineers often work closely with other professionals, government agencies and businesses. They advise stakeholders on environmental issues and work together to develop sustainable solutions. 
  3. Conducting environmental research: You will carry out research projects to develop new methods for solving environmental problems. You will analyse data and use scientific methods to test hypotheses and draw conclusions. 
  4. Improving water and waste disposal systems: Environmental engineers design and optimise systems for water treatment and waste disposal. They work to improve the efficiency of these systems. 
  5. Development of sustainable technologies: You will work on the development and implementation of technologies to reduce energy consumption and minimise environmental impact. 
In general, however, the tasks of an environmental engineer cover the following areas: 
  1. Pollution assessment and control: Environmental engineers develop and implement strategies to reduce air, water and soil pollution. They carry out environmental audits and prepare reports on the environmental impact of various projects. 
  2. Consultation and collaboration with stakeholders: Environmental engineers often work closely with other professionals, government agencies and businesses. They advise stakeholders on environmental issues and work together to develop sustainable solutions. 
  3. Conducting environmental research: You will carry out research projects to develop new methods for solving environmental problems. You will analyse data and use scientific methods to test hypotheses and draw conclusions. 
  4. Improving water and waste disposal systems: Environmental engineers design and optimise systems for water treatment and waste disposal. They work to improve the efficiency of these systems. 
  5. Development of sustainable technologies: You will work on the development and implementation of technologies to reduce energy consumption and minimise environmental impact. 

How do you become an environmental engineer? Your start in environmental engineering  

To gain a foothold in environmental engineering and work as an environmental engineer, you need a university degree. There is no such thing as an environmental engineering apprenticeship. It is also advisable to gain work experience at an early stage through internships or a dual study programme. 

Studying environmental engineering: The academic path to becoming an environmental engineer 

The usual way to become an environmental engineer is to study environmental engineering. This can be completed at numerous universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany and beyond. 

A (dual) degree programme in environmental engineering imparts knowledge in the fields of physics, mathematics, biology and many special topics such as process engineering or heat conduction. In this way, students are fully prepared for their career path. 

Possible degree programmes in environmental engineering in Germany: 

The usual way to become an environmental engineer is to study environmental engineering. This can be completed at numerous universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany and beyond. 

A (dual) degree programme in environmental engineering imparts knowledge in the fields of physics, mathematics, biology and many special topics such as process engineering or heat conduction. In this way, students are fully prepared for their career path. 

Possible degree programmes in environmental engineering in Germany: 

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Important skills in environmental engineering 

The work of environmental engineers requires a deep understanding of various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics, geology and maths. In addition, they must have knowledge in various fields of engineering, such as civil engineering, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering. 

Environmental engineers must also have strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and make informed decisions. They must be able to work both independently and in teams, and they must have effective communication skills to communicate their findings and recommendations to various stakeholders. Additionally, environmental engineers are required to have project management skills to efficiently oversee environmental projects. 

Overall, the work of an environmental engineer requires a deep understanding of various scientific disciplines, strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex problems. Through their work, they contribute to improving the quality of life and shaping a sustainable future for generations to come. 

Environmental engineer career: opportunities in environmental engineering  

Issues such as sustainability and environmental protection are playing an increasingly important role in today's society. This is why the demand for female environmental engineers is on the rise. They often work in the environmental sector, in planning offices, in industry or in the public sector. More and more sectors are relying on expertise in environmental engineering. 

"Green jobs" like this are becoming increasingly important. Of all the professions in environmental protection (green business), that of environmental engineer is the most common. It is therefore a sought-after job with a promising future, as long as you are prepared to keep on learning. 

Top vacancies for environmental engineers: jobs throughout Germany 

FAQ

What does an environmental engineer earn?

On average, an environmental engineer in Germany earns a gross salary of €53,000 per year. After several years of experience and increasing responsibility, this salary can rise to €98,000.

On average, an environmental engineer in Germany earns a gross salary of €53,000 per year. After several years of experience and increasing responsibility, this salary can rise to €98,000.


What does an environmental engineer do?

An environmental engineer develops, analyses and improves technical equipment with the aim of protecting the environment and enabling a sustainable energy supply. With their multifaceted tasks, they are an important interface between society and the economy.

An environmental engineer develops, analyses and improves technical equipment with the aim of protecting the environment and enabling a sustainable energy supply. With their multifaceted tasks, they are an important interface between society and the economy.


What can you do as an environmental engineer?

As a graduate environmental engineer, you can work in various fields such as environmental economics, transport planning, mechanical engineering or research. You can also take on a consultancy role for other organisations.

As a graduate environmental engineer, you can work in various fields such as environmental economics, transport planning, mechanical engineering or research. You can also take on a consultancy role for other organisations.


Are environmental engineers in demand?

Environmental engineers are increasingly in demand on the market. While the demand for suitable specialists in environmental protection is generally increasing, engineers are the most sought-after professional group.

Environmental engineers are increasingly in demand on the market. While the demand for suitable specialists in environmental protection is generally increasing, engineers are the most sought-after professional group.


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