Engineering - Civil, Environmental & Mechanical
Within Engineering jobs you will gain valuable applied experience to pair with studies if still a student. You will also work hand-in-hand with Engineers and other technical specialists to support important work within natural resource agencies, companies, or in fields such as National parks, historic sites and other buildings, drilling operations, waterways, dams, and roads. You may expand to ensuring assessing the environmental impact of activities such as construction or natural resource development. You may also use your technical expertise to work on or oversee a wide variety of engineering or multidisciplinary projects.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
Projected change in employment through 2034
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
May require overtime
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Recent graduates typically work as engineering interns or junior engineers assisting with design calculations, drafting, data collection and site visits under supervision. They learn to use engineering software, apply codes and standards, and prepare reports.
Job Types & Titles
- Engineering Intern
- Junior Civil Engineer
- Environmental Engineering Assistant
- Mechanical Engineering Intern
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental or mechanical engineering from an ABET‑accredited program.
Certifications
Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam begins the path toward licensure.
Experience
0-2 years of engineering experience, including internships or co‑ops.
Position Responsibilities
Technicians and E.I.T.s (Engineer‑in‑Training) perform technical tasks such as drafting, surveying, sampling and lab testing. They support project engineers in collecting data, preparing construction drawings and ensuring quality control.
Job Types & Titles
- Engineering Technician
- Survey Technician
- Water Quality Technician
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Associate degree or certificate in engineering technology; some have a bachelor’s degree and are working toward the PE.
Certifications
Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) status obtained by passing the FE exam
Experience
1-4 years of technical experience in construction, field work or laboratories.
Position Responsibilities
Licensed engineers take on design responsibility, manage projects, supervise technicians and coordinate with clients and regulators. They design structures, water treatment systems, energy equipment and create hydrologic and structural models. They ensure projects meet environmental regulations, budgets and schedules.
Job Types & Titles
- Civil Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Sustainability Engineer
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree; many professionals pursue a master’s degree for specialization.
Certifications
Professional Engineer (PE) license requiring an accredited degree, FE exam, four years of experience and passing the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam.
Experience
4-10 years of progressively responsible engineering practice.
Position Responsibilities
Senior engineers lead teams, oversee budgets, manage stakeholder relationships, and strategize long‑term infrastructure planning. They may serve as project managers, division directors, or principals in consulting firms. Duties include mentoring staff, securing funding, and ensuring quality and environmental compliance.
Job Types & Titles
- Project Manager
- Engineering Manager
- Principal Engineer
- Director of Water Resources
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s or master’s degree; many pursue MBAs or certificates in project management.
Certifications
PE license; optional certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP).
Experience
10+ years of experience including leadership roles and successful project delivery.
Who Hires Engineering - Civil, Environmental & Mechanical Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Bureau of Reclamation
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
California Department of Water Resources
The Nature Conservancy
Bechtel
Jacobs
HDR
Tetra Tech
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Words from the Field
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Jobs in Engineering - Civil, Environmental & Mechanical
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