Water/Wastewater Engineers

Employers

Many water/wastewater engineers work in local governments; others work for the federal government, utility companies, or private sanitary services that operate under contracts with local governments. They may work at state or federal water pollution control agencies, such as the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. Approximately 55,800 environmental engineers, including water/wastewater engineers, work in the United States, according to the Department of Labor. Jobs are located throughout the country, with the greatest numbers found in areas with high populations. 

Starting Out

Water/wastewater engineers often get started in their careers through an internship or cooperative program while in college, receiving job offers upon graduation. They start in entry-level positions as engineers in training. Ask your school's career services office for help with finding employment opportunities. You can also contact state and local water pollution control agencies and the personnel offices of wastewater treatment facilities in desired locations. Search the careers section of professional associations' Web sites for job referrals. For example, the Water Environment Foundation offers a job bank and other resources, https://www.wef.org/about/careers/.