Guide for New Environmental Engineers

By: Nathan Wadley

Table of Contents
I.

II.

III.

IV.

Page Number

Information about the Guide

a. Scope
b. Audience and Purpose
c. Assumptions
d. Organization
e. Tips

3
3
3
3
4

Environmental News
a. The Environmental Magazine
b. Environmental News Network
c. Engineering News

5
6
7

Professional Resources
a. Live Career
b. Engineer Jobs

8
9

Engineering Publications
a. ASCE Journal of Environmental Engineering
b. NSCEP
c. American Journal of Environmental Engineering
d. Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
e. Statistical Abstract of the United States

10
11
12
13
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Information about the Guide

Scope
This guide is designed to help those new to the field of Environmental Engineering. It has
a short section that will help you stay in tune with the all of the news concerning the environment
youll be working. Following that is another section of resources that will help in your search for
employment and improve your resume as you get closer to graduation. The last section contains
resources that will connect you with case studies and publications from Environmental Engineers
around the world that may help you when you finally land the job youve been looking for.
Audience and Purpose
This guide is directed towards new students in the field of Environmental Engineering.
These students should be of college age, probably in at least their second year of schooling so
they have been able to begin to familiarize themselves with more in depth engineering material.
Although the guide can be used by anyone of any age and generally interested in engineering, it
may be more difficult to understand some of the technical content presented by the resources
listed simply due to lack of experience. The third containing job resources and resume building
skills is especially geared towards older Environmental Engineering Students.
This guide is meant to be a resource for you as you progress through your career in
Environmental Engineering. With hope the guide will become more useful to you as you
progress through the different stages of college and finally into your first job as an engineer.
Assumptions
This guide is written under the assumption that the reader is interested in Environmental
Engineering and is at least willing to explore the field. The reader should also be able to
adequately navigate the internet and open files that come along with accessing these sites. When
it comes to developing resumes and completing job applications the reader is expected to be able
to work programs like Microsoft Word.
Organization
The guide, broken into four sections, is designed to grow in relevance as you pursue your
new career in Environmental Engineering. The second section meant to peak your interest in
Environmental topics and make sure that this is the field you really see yourself in. The third
section is meant to help develop your professional persona as you enter your sophomore through
senior years. Developing your resume is the first step then applying to internships and eventually
full time jobs follows shortly after. Lastly the fourth section is filled with resources that connect
you with case studies and research. These resources can be especially helpful when developing
your senior thesis and even when you get into your first job.

Tips
Use the table of contents to navigate this guide quickly. With each entry in this guide
comes not only the link to the website but a short description and some tips on how to efficiently
use the resource. In most cases it is best to use more exact language when conducting searches in
databases so you receive more accurate results. However, in the cases where broader search
terms can be used that will be noted in the description of the website.

Environmental News
The Environmental Magazine
Website - http://www.emagazine.com/
Reasons to Use:

To keep up with recent findings regarding the environment around the world

Description:
A bimonthly publication that keeps up with environmental news around the world
containing general news articles not necessarily geared towards engineering. The goal of the
magazine is to keep people up to date with the different improvements, deficiencies, or
controversies that face the worlds environment. Readers can find both articles that are for pure
entertainment value and articles that are scientific in nature.
Community oriented, the website pushes users to not only read their articles but become
involved in environmental education and creating a healthier environment. Getting involved is
one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with common practices in the environmental field.
Also it could provide you with an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field, a
crucial aspect in your career.
Tips:

The website is easy to navigate, use the search bar in the upper right hand corner to easily
search for articles.
Many of the headlined articles offer ways to get involved and help improve the
environment.

Environmental News Network

Website - http://www.enn.com/
Reasons to Use:

Easily access more recent environmental news from around the globe

Description: The Environmental News Network is updated daily with news. Plastered with the
headlines of todays news it is easy to find the big stories which can come from sources as large
as Iowa State University and as small as a single writer. With a search bar in the upper right
corner and the top bar littered with different categories of news it is simple to find articles that
interest you. Most importantly to the Environmental Engineer is the section named
Environmental Policy as many of the new polices will directly influence your work in the
future, it is important to familiarize yourself with them.
One of the more interesting articles from February of 2015 is an article named Plants
can be Reprogrammed for Drought Tolerance. Researchers from the University of California
have found that plants, when sprayed with a certain protein, can limit water consumption to
better survive droughts. This is an increasingly important issue as 2014 was the warmest
recorded year. This along with many other interesting articles can be found at this website.
Tips:

The majority of the articles are there for their informative and entertainment value not
necessarily to help find engineering solutions.

Engineering News
Website - http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/page/environment
Reasons to Use:

Easy to access Environmental Engineering news

Description:
Engineering News is a well put together and easy to navigate website that offers a variety
of news from many engineering disciplines. Using the Sector News column you can navigate
from the home page to the narrower section labeled Environment. After navigating to this section
youll find dozens of articles in the center of the page describing everything from new solar
panel designs to news regarding the use of petroleum. Along the top of the screen youll find
ways to narrow your criteria even further with sections labeled Climate Change and
Environmental Studies. As mentioned before the most important section is the one labeled
Policy and Enforcement which not only contains news about policy changes but how
companies like Shell and Gulf are making amends with those affected by oil spills.
Other sectors like the Agriculture and Chemical sections may also come into use. Many
times as an Environmental Engineer youll find that the use of chemicals and agriculture pair
together to create a problem. Waste from livestock and chemicals sprayed on crops can
sometimes pollute water and air supplies and will need to the help of an engineer to offer a
solution. These sectors will keep you up to date with the different kinds of pesticides, growth
hormones, and livestock trends that are being used.
Tips for Use:

Be sure to explore all the different sectors as they may have news helpful to you as an
Environmental Engineer
Two other sectors are the Metals and Water section, many of the metals will be used in
construction projects you might supervise and water quality is always an environmental
concern
Sign up for the magazine itself or the email list to receive the news on a regular basis

Professional Resources
Live Career
Website - http://www.livecareer.com/resume-builder
Reasons to Use:

To build a professional resume for job applications

To avoid the sometimes difficult formatting of a Microsoft Word document for a resume
Get tips for developing your presence as a professional in the work force

Description:
The link above takes to Live Careers resume builder, a free tool that allows you simply
develop a professional looking resume. To begin the tool asks for some information like your
name, address, and so forth to pre-populate those sections of the resume before you get into the
actual editor. Shortly there-after you are free to design your resume with different fonts, sizing,
and templates as you see fit. There are plenty of sample resumes that will give you an idea of a
finished product and even live support to further help guide you through the process. When all is
finally finished you can print, email, or even export your resume to be passed along to
employers. The website also offers further resources such as a cover letter builder, interview tips
and videos, and most importantly job searches.
Tips:

The website also offers a variety of tools to help build your professional image, however
it is important to develop your own style that your comfortable working in.
While building your resume here are some tips to follow:
http://www.careerbuilder.com/article/cb-976-cover-letters-resumes-r%C3%A9sum
%C3%A9-rules-dos-and-donts-for-success/

Engineerjobs
Website - http://www.engineerjobs.com/
Reasons to Use:

Use for entry level job and internship searches in your area.
To post and edit resumes for potential employers

Description:
Similar to any job search service like Monster.com, Engineerjobs is a search service
specifically meant to be used by engineers. Using drop down boxes the user can target,
internships or entry-level jobs, then further narrow the search by picking their specific
concentration, and location they wish to find the job.
This website is especially useful when trying to find internships or co-ops. Many times
its difficult to find job postings for them and they require a lot of digging. Engineerjobs makes it
simple and easy to find them and apply quickly. With the ability to upload a resume and create a
profile many of them can be applied for with just a few clicks of the mouse. This eliminates the
time spent filling out all of the boxes on an application.
Tips:

Be sure to navigate the drop boxes to find a job fitting the criteria youre searching for.
Research potential employers before applying. Getting to know the company and
understanding what they are all about can be key in the interview process.

Engineering Publications
ASCE Journal of Environmental Engineering
Website - http://ascelibrary.org/journal/joeedu
Reasons to Use:

Journal contributed to by Environmental Engineers around the country

Readers can find research regarding new technologies spanning from waste control to
water use reduction

Description:
This Journal is edited by a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and is
updated regularly. The Journal provides links to many different technical papers regarding the
Environmental Field. With technologies developing every day in water conservation and waste
disposal it is a good resource to keep up with the times. Case studies of different environmental
hazards and the tools used to extinguish them can also be found in the journal. Among the most
important things however, readers can find changes in federal policies regarding the environment
that would be pertinent to your profession.
The ASCE website also contains other valuable resources. You can rent and buy e-books
pertinent to the profession; you can even take a look at the standards set by the Society that you
will be following throughout your career.
Tips:

Standardized contract documents can be found on the website, these are also forms you
will be using in your career.
Be sure to use specific search criteria when looking for Journal entries.
Knowing specific authors is very useful when searching for Journal entries.

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National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)

Website - http://www.epa.gov/nscep/
Reasons to Use:

Publications regarding updated environmental policies

Publications that regard environmental hazards and how their presence can be determined

Description:
This is a searchable database that contains publications that date back to prior to 1976.
Regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the database is on the forefront of
environmental news. Similar to the ASCE Environmental Engineering Journal it contains case
studies and technical works regarding new technologies and policies. However, the EPA database
also contains articles regarding endangered wildlife, and environmental threats that are faced
around the country. These threats could span from radon poisoning to the expansion of an
invasive species.
The website offers a Featured Publication for easy access to big articles that the EPA
feels everyone should read. Once you have found the journal entry you are looking for the
website has it is own document reader for ease of access. However if you want your own copy of
the entry they give you several options in doing so. You can download it as a PDF, unformatted
text, or even have a hard copy shipped to you through USPS. All of which can help you build
your own professional library.
Tips:

Use specific search criteria when looking for Journal Entries.

The document reader has a difficult time functioning with Firefox, use IE or Google
Chrome.

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American Journal of Environmental Engineering

Website - http://www.sapub.org/journal/aimsandscope.aspx?journalid=1125
Reasons to Use:

To view recent research done by professionals in the Environmental Engineering science,

and the systems used in the field.
Many of the articles pertain to air and water quality and the sanitation systems engineered
to keep them clean.

Description:
Published since 2011, the American Journals of Environmental Engineering, has up to
date information up until 2014. When directed to the link above you are immediately presented
with the aims and scope of the journal, outlining those who contribute to the publication and
what areas the articles cover. The search bar in the upper right hand corner allows you to search
for specific authors and key words. If youre not looking for a particular article you can click the
Articles tab and simply scan through the titles to see what peaks your interest.
One article in particular is a case study of the amount of solid waste created in Hosana
town in Southern Ethiopia and how it is disposed of. Ethiopia, a common target for electronic
waste dumping, has its people threatened by toxic chemicals in old electronics. This as well as
daily waste such as plastic, glass, food waste, and garbage all need to be disposed of in some
way. The case study used surveys to monitor the waste created to quantify numbers and
percentages of each kind of waste. Using these numbers the researchers were able to define
landfill requirements that would allow for proper disposal of the waste generated.
Tips for Use:

As always use specific search criteria, although the journal contains a much smaller
archive, it can still prove tedious to find specific articles
Many of the articles are interesting to read and filled with useful information that aid in
design calculations. You are encouraged to read these leisurely
No need to worry about downloading PDFs or Word documents; the articles are
presented through the web browser.
Use the table of contents for each article to navigate them efficiently

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Catalog of U.S. Government Publications

Website - http://catalog.gpo.gov/F
Reasons to Use:

Used to find any publications put out by the U.S. Government

Publications can span from individual case studies to new research projects.

Description:
The database contains any Federal publications submitted by engineers and other
professionals around the country. When accessing the website it becomes immediately apparent
how to navigate the library. The search bar placed in the middle of the screen allows users to
input Keywords, Authors, and Subject Matter. Advanced search options are also available.
Using the phrase Environmental Engineering one is able to pull up close to 4,000
different publications. One that caught my eye in particular was an article named CalciumMagnesium-Aluminosilicate (CMAS) Reactions and Degradation Mechanisms of Advanced
Environmental Barrier Coatings. The article, written by researchers from NASA, explores the
effects of different compounds on materials coated with environmental protective barriers. The in
depth publication explains everything from the experimental methods to the results.
Tips for Use:

If looking for a specific publication be sure to know its author or full title
Be careful in finding relevant publications
Because most publications are case studies or research they might not necessarily pertain
to problems frequently faced problems in the environmental engineering field

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Statistical Abstract of the United States

Website - http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/
Reasons to Use:

Allows users to find statistical information on a variety of different topics

The statistics presented can be used in a variety of projects as they offer demographic
information on people, wildlife, and even waterways.

Description:
The Statistical Abstract of the United States offers a variety of statistics on things like
economics, politics, demographics, and even wildlife. Updated since 1878, several different
Federal agencies keep the database up to date with new and accurate information. Most of the
information may not seem directly relevant however when designing different environmental
projects it may prove to be important to know what species of plants and wildlife are distributed
where. Using the search bar located at the top right portion of the website a user can input
keywords to find statistics relevant to those terms.
In a recent search I performed I found an abstract by the name of Threatened and
Endangered Wildlife and Plant Species. The Abstract, published in 2009, outlines the number of
endangered species there were at that time. The abstract breaks it down in mammals, reptiles,
amphibians, and so forth. Because the abstract is focused around the Environmental Industry it
also includes statistical information about natural disasters around the country.
Tips for Use:

Broader search keywords will do fine for the search bar.

Attempt to find the most relevant data possible, as some of the information can be very
dated.

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