Environmental

The environmental industry consists of organizations and professionals focused on protecting natural resources and improving environmental and public health. Companies within this industry work to measure, prevent, manage, and reduce environmental impacts affecting air, water, land, ecosystems, and communities. Environmental efforts have become increasingly integrated into many industries as organizations continue to prioritize sustainability, environmental compliance, conservation, and responsible resource management. 

In many ways, this industry overlaps with others as environmental efforts have become further embedded into the fabric of the way many industries and corporations operate. The field has also expanded to encompass many areas. 

According to the National Resources Defense Council, the challenges at the forefront of this industry include creating a clean energy future, reviving the world's oceans, defending endangered wildlife and wild places, protecting human health through pollution prevention and water conservation, curbing global warming and fostering sustainable communities.

Industry summary sourced from FirstHand Vault Guide, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), and current industry resources including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

RECRUITING TIMELINE

Depending on the type of employer and the role, the recruitment timelines vary, Governmental organizations, large companies, and manufacturers recruit most heavily in the fall for positions starting in the spring or summer. Opportunities still exist beyond the fall but are often more niche opportunities with smaller companies. Additionally, companies will hire throughout the year depending on the needs and demands of their projects or government contracts.

Seek opportunities to connect with employers at fall events such as the fall Engineering Career Fair, as well as at employer table talks, employer-in-residence, Ask Alumni Anything chats, and student organization meetings. Search for posted opportunities on Handshake and other sources referenced below.

Internships + Co-ops

With sample hiring organizations and companies recruiting through

• Engineering Career Fairs & Industry Days
• Handshake job platform
• USAjobs.gov

Meet with an Engineering Career Coach for more information about accessing opportunities + strategizing your search for co-ops, internships, research, and more.

ALUMNI IN THE INDUSTRY

• Beverly Banister, '83 Chemical | Retired Deputy Regional Administrator | U.S. EPA
• Brittany Wilson, '09 Biosystems | Senior Environmental Engineer | Southern Company
• Claire Booth, '03 Civil & Environmental | Founder & Senior Environmental Engineer | Array Environmental, LLC
• Heather Ceron, '94 Chemical | Deputy Director, Land, Chemicals & Redevelopment Division | U.S. EPA
• Jennifer Winn, '05 Chemical | Vice President of Land| Georgia Power Company
• Julia Green, '05 & '07 Civil & Environmental | Environmental Strategy and Reporting Manager | Southern Company
• Steve Cobb, '84 Biosystems | Chief of Land Division | Alabama Department of Environmental Management
• Troy Ephriam Jr., '17 Biosystems | Hydraulic Engineer | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

You can access alumni such as these to learn about career paths, skills for the industry, and build your network through LinkedIn. Create an account and build your profile, then search for Auburn alumni by major, company, location, or other criteria on the Auburn University LinkedIn page. Chat with an Engineering Career Coach on strategies for networking and reaching out to connect.