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• WATER CONSERVATIONIST

Water engineers work on projects such as flood defence schemes and sewer improvement programmes at all stages, from conception and planning to completion and handover. Typical responsibilities include:

• producing designs, both initial outlines and full plans, of sewerage, water treatment and flood defence structures such as pump systems and pipe networks

• managing and maintaining water and sewerage infrastructure operations

• presenting project details and technical information to colleagues and clients

• writing reports

• managing project budgets

• keeping up to date with changes in regulatory legislation and guidelines

• writing and advertising tender documents and managing contracts

• liaising with clients, contractors, government agencies, local authorities and suppliers

• monitoring flood levels

• supervising staff and site workers

• using a variety of specialist computer applications/simulation software

• ensuring that projects keep to budgets and timescales

• maintaining an awareness of current environmental issues.

Qualifications and training required

You can only become a water engineer if you have a degree in a relevant subject such as chemical, civil, mechanical or environmental engineering, environmental science, geology or physical geography.

A postgraduate qualification may be required for some positions, and can be beneficial for graduates without relevant first degrees.

If you are aiming to work in a technician role, it is possible to enter the profession with a higher national diploma (HND) in an appropriate subject such as mechanical or civil engineering.

Key skills for water engineers

• Excellent analytical skills

• Teamworking skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Good time management

• IT skills

• Communication skills

• The ability to demonstrate a genuine knowledge and interest of the water industry and environmental issues.

Typical employers of water engineers

• Privately owned water companies

• Regulatory bodies

• The Environment Agency

• Local authority environmental health departments

• British Waterways

• Private consultants or contractors