Water and wastewater engineer
You're responsible for supplying clean water, disposing of wastewater and sewage and preventing flood damage.
Also known as: design engineer (wastewater), wastewater process engineer, civil engineer (wastewater)
About the job
A day in the life – Wastewater treatment operator
What it's like
Water and wastewater engineers make sure our water is clean and safe! You'll manage the process of bringing untreated water from rivers or groundwater into treatment plants.
You’ll help design and construct structures that manage water, such as sea walls, pumping stations and reservoirs. Maintaining these systems is also part of your role. By creating energy-efficient systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you’ll help fight climate change.
Water and wastewater engineers work in local councils, private engineering firms, environmental consultancies and utility companies. You could specialise in flood risk management, industrial water treatment or sustainable drainage systems.
Some water engineers are even developing ways to produce hydrogen from wastewater!
Your tasks might include:
designing water treatment and sewage systems for new developments
inspecting existing infrastructure to spot leaks or inefficiencies
modelling water flow using specialist software
advising on ways to reduce water pollution
preparing technical reports for clients or regulators
overseeing construction projects to make sure standards are met
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Water YouTube channel – watch how Scottish Water engineers manage wastewater
Scottish Engineering – explore engineering resources
Scottish Water – check out this interactive careers map
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – discover more information on engineering careers
Supply Chain Sustainability School – free learning resources for anyone who wants to work in the built environment sector
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- developing a plan
- building relationships
- attention to detail
- analysing
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Maths (Mathematics)
Engineering Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
Environmental Science
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification to become a water or wastewater engineer. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or by getting an apprenticeship.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Biochemistry
Chemistry/Process Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Science
Geology
Mechanical Engineering
Geography
Water Engineering
Environmental Management
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Environmental Management
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Built Environment
Social Sciences
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a water or wastewater engineer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Have you ever heard of the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES)? Joining an engineering body can help you make contacts in the industry and find training opportunities.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Water and wastewater engineer'
