Environmental Engineer Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Conducts research, advise on, design and direct implementation of solutions to prevent control or remedy negative impacts of human activity on the environment and conducts environmental assessments of construction and civil engineering projects and apply engineering principles to pollution control, recycling and waste disposal.
What does a Environmental Engineer do?
An Environmental Engineer uses engineering principles to reduce the environmental harm caused by human activity. The work can include researching environmental problems, advising organisations, designing pollution-control solutions, assessing construction and civil engineering projects, and planning approaches to recycling, waste disposal and water-resource management. Possible areas of specialisation include air-pollution control and water resources.
Specialisations
How to become a Environmental Engineer in South Africa
- Build a foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, environmental topics and technical design at school.
- Explore engineering and environmental work through projects or exposure to construction, civil engineering, pollution control, recycling or waste management.
- Consider a relevant listed training pathway, such as Chemical Operations: Engineering; National Certificate (GETC): Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Activities; National Certificate: General Education and Training: Engineering; National Certificate: N1 Engineering Studies; or National Diploma: Mining Engineering.
- Develop the ability to research environmental problems, assess project impacts and apply engineering principles to practical solutions.
- Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA, the relevant quality council or an accredited provider before enrolling.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The listed training routes provide possible engineering-related preparation, but the most suitable route depends on the type of environmental engineering work you want to pursue. Focus on applying technical knowledge to pollution prevention, recycling, waste disposal, water resources and environmental assessments. Before making study decisions, verify current details with SAQA, the relevant quality council and accredited providers.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Geography
- Engineering Graphics and Design
Skills that may help
- Environmental research
- Advising on environmental solutions
- Engineering design
- Environmental assessment
- Pollution control
- Recycling and waste-disposal planning
- Water-resource analysis
- Problem-solving and practical implementation