A sanitation engineer studies, designs, and constructs wastewater treatment plants, sewer systems, and municipal water supplies, among other structures and facilities important to public health. Professional engineers use their extensive knowledge of math, physics, and environmental science to design effective sanitation systems that safeguard citizens’ health and safety. They aid in the prevention of disease, the provision of safe drinking water, the regulation of landfills, the coordination of recycling efforts, and the promotion of conservation.
In order to design safe and efficient structures, a sanitation engineer must have a thorough understanding of mathematics, statistics, and physics. Modern engineers must be computer and Internet savvy, as they rely on computer-aided drafting software and online simulation programs to create blueprints for new systems and put them through simulation tests. Sanitation engineers must also be well-versed in environmental science, public health, local laws, and construction codes.
When a new facility or sanitation system is required, a team of experts led by a senior sanitation engineer conducts research into existing systems, weighs options, and determines the most cost-effective strategy. They look into the environmental effects of a new facility and make sure it won’t harm the local flora and fauna. To create blueprints, survey the construction site, and organize construction crews, the team collaborates. Engineers frequently visit the construction site to supervise workers and ensure that components are installed exactly according to blueprints.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental engineering or public health is usually required of someone who wants to work as a sanitation engineer. Most engineers spend one to two years learning the fundamentals of the job and gaining valuable firsthand knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations while working under the supervision of experienced professionals. Taking certification exams administered by nationally recognized organizations, such as the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying in the United States, can help a new sanitation engineer improve his or her qualifications and employment opportunities. Professional Engineer and Integrated Urban Engineer credentials are available to those who pass certification exams.
Supervisors and senior sanitation engineers can lead teams of scientists and other engineers on large-scale projects after gaining experience in the field and pursuing master’s degrees. Some highly qualified individuals are able to obtain high-ranking government positions in local, state, and federal offices, assisting in the development of new policy regulations and influencing political decisions concerning environmental and public health protection.