How to Be a Sanitation Engineer

When most people hear the term sanitation engineer, they think of a garbage man. In reality, sanitary engineers are highly trained professionals who focus on the environment. Within the environment, sanitary engineers specialize in public health.

Instructions

1. Search for colleges and universities that have engineer programs, such as Clarkson University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Rochester Institute of Technology. If you want to start in a 2-year degree program in civil engineering, a smaller school like SUNY Canton may be the right choice for you.

2. Move forward in your education. Obtain a minimum a Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. A Masters in public health will help to advance establish your career as a sanitation engineer.

3. Study the intricacies of municipalities and governments. An example is how sanitation and water filtration affect local government policies. Learn the role of water and energy companies in urban infrastructures where the government will decide to dump snow plowed during the winter is a major issue.

4. Find work in the urban sector and acquire knowledge you will utilize throughout your career. Look at the career portion of your Sunday paper, post your resume on job websites and go to your local unemployment center for assistance. It is important to take continuing education courses after you have graduated and find a job.

5. Make sure you work at the local level with the people involved in public health, water collection, storm water drainage, drinking water distribution and solid waste collection/disposal.

6. Take the necessary exams to keep your knowledge of sanitation up to date. A variety of certifications will also help advance your career. You can focus your career with certificates in water filtration, asbestos removal and hauling toxic chemicals.

7. Complete the seven modules for the Integrated Urban Engineering Specialization certification. The seven modules are Process Technology, Unit Operations, Urban Drainage and Sewerage, Waste Water Treatment Process Design and Engineering, Modeling and Industrial Waste Water Treatment and Sustainable Waste Water Treatment and Re-use. Successfully complete this Integrated Urban Engineering Specialization exam.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep up with certifications, especially mid-career where people tend to become complacent.