How to Become a Water/Wastewater Engineer?
Explore the path to becoming a WasteWater Engineer, from education and skills to career growth and opportunities in this crucial environmental field
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Water/Wastewater Engineer
"Wastewater Engineers turn the invisible into the essential, making sustainability flow through our cities." – Sarah Jenkins
Water/Wastewater Engineers plan or supervise schemes concerning the supply of drinkable water, the treatment of wastewater and polluted water, or the mitigation of flood destruction. Prepare ecological documentary evidence for water supplies, complying with administrative programs, database maintenance and interpretation, and field research. Hydraulic modeling and reservoir design are needed. They also lead or supervise novice workers, electronics or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other professional staff.
Steps to Become a Water/Wastewater Engineer:
Step-1
Wastewater Engineers work on designing and managing systems for water treatment, controlling pollution, and ensuring the safe disposal of wastewater. Having a solid understanding of their responsibilities is the first step.
Step-2
A degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Chemical Engineering is typically required for this role. Courses in water management and environmental protection are essential.
Step-3
Internships or entry-level jobs in environmental engineering firms or public utilities will provide you with hands-on experience in wastewater treatment projects.
Step-4
Some professionals pursue postgraduate degrees in Environmental Engineering to deepen their expertise and qualify for higher-level positions.
Step-5
Certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license or specific certifications in water and wastewater treatment can boost your career.
Step-6
Environmental laws and water treatment technologies evolve. Continuing education and staying informed on new regulations are crucial for career advancement.
Step-7
Join professional organizations like the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to stay connected with industry trends, job opportunities, and peers.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Must earn a degree in B.Sc/B.Tech or a Diploma to become a Water/Wastewater Engineer. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Tech in Water/Wastewater Engineering can enhance prospects for higher degrees and better learning. |
| Entrance Exams | Should procure a valid score in entrance exams such as JEE-MAINS, CET, VITEEE, JEE-Advanced, etc. Colleges may have their own exams if needed. |
- Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.
- Should procure a valid score in entrance exams after 12th such as JEE-MAINS/CET/VITEEE/JEE-Advanced, etc.
- One must earn a degree in B.Sc/B.Tech or a Diploma to become a Water/Wastewater Engineer.
- An M.Tech in Water/Wastewater Engineering can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and better learning.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Water/Wastewater Engineer:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Water/Wastewater Engineers must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of water properties and contamination levels. | Familiarity with local and global water treatment standards. |
| Knowledge of how water moves through systems. | Practices for conserving and reusing water. |
| Expertise in constructing treatment plants and facilities. | Understanding of biological processes in water treatment. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Analytical Thinking |
| Project Management | Technical Proficiency |
| Communication | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Water/Wastewater Engineer.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
Your career may not align with your interests. Identify them and match with careers requiring those skills for faster growth and success!
Job roles offered for a Water/Wastewater Engineer:
Once you become a Water/Wastewater Engineer, various career paths open up:
They ensure products are built to precise dimensions, requiring strong numerical skills, particularly in geometry. Their main role involves using math and scientific principles to assess manufacturing readiness.
Acting as a liaison among different programs, program managers ensure alignment with corporate strategy. They oversee schedules, resources, and performance across projects but are less focused on specific tasks than project managers.
Responsible for strategic business management, principal developers enhance client engagement and team efficiency, directly impacting account success and company growth.
They design and test new technologies and improve existing products for efficiency and effectiveness, working across various industries, including consumer electronics and automotive.
They design and implement water resource management programs, focusing on water and sewage systems, flood control policies, and ensuring access to clean water while collaborating with other experts.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a Water/Wastewater Engineer:
Water/Wastewater Engineers can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| E I Technologies Pvt. Ltd. | European Staff Netherlands B.V. | Mott MacDonald. |
| SUEZ's Water Technology | Atkins | Ramboll Pentair |
| Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited (WAPCOS) | Ministry Of Water Resources, Delhi | Almondz Global Infra-Consultant Limited |
Colleges offering courses for Water/Wastewater Engineer:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Vishwakarma University, Pune | Agrawal PG College, Jaipur |
| Academy of Water Technology and Environment Management, Kolkata | Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Science, Allahabad |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi | Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee |
| Vaugh Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Allahabad | Central Institute of Technology, Kokrajhar |
| Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur | Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Tuljapur |
End Note
Becoming a Water/Wastewater Engineer is not only a fulfilling career but a vital one in today’s world. If you’re ready to embark on a journey that combines engineering with environmental stewardship, this career is for you. SetMyCareer is here to guide you through Career counselling after graduation along with your career path. Reach out to us to get expert advice and start shaping your future today!
In this Career Outline
You don't fit in as a Water/Wastewater Engineer?
Find out your best suitable career by booking an appointment with our experts
Book now
Get In Touch
No. 14/595, 1st Floor, Nanjappa Reddy Layout, Koramangala 8th Block, Bangalore 560095