Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hasardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
• Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
• Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
• Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
• Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
• Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
• Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
• Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.

Further Information

• Environmental Engineer - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

New entrants have normally completed an appropriate engineering degree. However, it may be possible to enter with an ordinary degree. Many degree courses combine control engineering with electronic and electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer engineering, but there exist courses which focus exclusively on Environmental Engineering

Training & Development   

FET Centre Traineeship: Laboratory Assistant, Engineering operations, Engineering Technology, Quality Management at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied science, Environmental Science Pre-University, Science with Environmental Studies, Engineering, Renewable Energy Technology and Control Systems ( at NFQ Level 5 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Allied Engineering, Lab Technician & Lab Analyst Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Environmental Science, Engineering (Common entry to - Agricultural, Biomedical, Energy, Manufacturing and/or Mechanical Engineering), Earth and Environmental Sciences, Energy Engineering, Environmental Science with Ecology, Science (Biological and Environmental Studies), Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Engineering - Civil Engineering - Environment & Energy, Engineering - Energy Systems Engineering, Engineering - Sustainable Energy Engineering, Engineering - Environmental Structural & Geotechnical Transport Sustainable Energy, Building Performance - Energy Efficiency in Design, Energy Management, Renewable Energy Systems NFQ level 9 

Engineers Ireland (IEI) accredits degree courses throughout Ireland. Completion of one of these course leads to ordinary membership of the IEI. Most large employers offer a graduate training programme of Initial Professional Development (IPD) to enable their graduate employees reach Chartered Engineer status.  

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €80k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Clark/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

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