Conceive, design, manage and supervise
construction works for the improvement of public health and environment, and the promotion of efficient natural resources usage and nature conservation, e.g., drainage systems, water treatment plants, waste treatment facilities, landfills, noise insulation works
the use of facilities, equipment and apparatus for environmental protection, pollution control, hazardous waste management and energy saving, etc.
Appraise and monitor the design and management of all engineering works; rectify faults or shortcomings that may bring adverse effects to the environment
Conduct environmental impact assessments and other related investigations of the engineering work, e.g., feasibility studies, cost and time estimates
Estimate the resources necessary for the work, e.g., site machinery, construction materials
Engage in contract administration duties
Perform resident supervision of the construction work; ensure that the project is proceeding according to the design, budget and schedule
Maintain and manage the completed facilities
Manage and supervise all projects pertaining to pollution control
Research, develop and improve new or existing environmental protection and pollution control technologies, e.g., bioremediation
Develop and refine manufacturing processes and management concepts that produce less pollution and make better use of resources for the industrial and commercial sectors, e.g., the use of automation
Conduct investigations, testing and sampling regarding air, water, waste and noise pollution, and energy utilisation
Perform environmental monitoring and audit so that the organisation fulfils the environmental standards required by the laws
Give professional opinions on environmental management and risk contingency
Provide training to engineer trainees
Senior engineers may need to take up more managerial and supervisory tasks
Qualities and Qualifications
Serious, meticulous, active
A good team player, able to work effectively with others
Good at managing subordinates
Sound language and communication skills, able to convey effectively the design of the engineering or consultancy project to others
Competent numerical skills
Possess a desire for knowledge; innovative and enthusiastic of challenges
Good analytical power, able to tackle problems calmly, independently and resiliently
Strong in observation and identifying problems
A degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, building services engineering, chemical engineering, or equivalent; or
A degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry or other relevant subjects, “topped-up” with a Master degree in Engineering or equivalent
After attaining several years’ relevant professional experience in engineering organisations accredited by the Environmental Engineering Discipline of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), graduates with the above academic qualifications can apply to become a registered engineer
One has to become a corporate member of professional engineering organisations such as the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Hong Kong in order to be a professionally qualified environmental engineer. For details, please refer to the sub-section below.
Professional Qualifications
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers is a professional qualifying body for a wide range of engineering disciplines. It consists of 16 disciplines including Environmental Engineering and the Environmental Engineering Discipline was formed in 1994. Its corporate Membership of the HKIE is recognised worldwide
For details of the membership requirements of various professional bodies, you may contact them direct:
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
![]() | 9/F, Island Beverly, 1 Great George Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong |
![]() | 2895 4446 |
![]() | http://www.hkie.org.hk |
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Hong Kong
![]() | G.P.O. Box 4528, Central, Hong Kong |
![]() | http://www.ciwem.org.uk |
The Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment
![]() | P.O. Box 28756, Gloucester Road Post Office, Hong Kong |
![]() | http://www.hkieia.org.hk |
![]() | webmaster@hkieia.org.hk |
Business Environment Council
![]() | Room 201, Jockey Club Environmental Building, 77 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon |
![]() | 2784 3900 |
![]() | http://www.bec.org.hk |
Environmental
Management Division,
Hong Kong Productivity
Council
![]() | HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon |
![]() | 2788 5656 |
![]() | http://www.hkpc.org |
Career Opportunities
Environmental engineers may work in different organisations in both public and private sector, including:
Government departments, e.g., Environmental Protection Department, Civil Engineering Department, Water Supplies Department, Drainage Services Department, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Engineering consulting firms and contractors
Consulting firms in environmental management and planning
Engineering or environmental management departments of developers, industrial manufacturers and commercial organisations
Organisations involved in the running of large environmental facilities such as landfills
Universities and technical institutions for the teaching of environmental engineering
Research institutions, large industrial organisations and consulting firms involved in the research and development of new technologies and environment-friendly materials
Companies specialising in the installation, maintenance and sales of pollution control equipment
Private sewage treatment and waste recycling companies
Non-government organisations in environmental protection
Career Path in Engineering Consulting Firms