Environmental Ocean Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of climate change, the emphasis on environmental ocean engineers has never been more significant.

As we strive to preserve our marine ecosystems, the demand for skilled professionals who can devise, develop, and safeguard our oceanic environments continues to grow.

But what’s truly expected from an environmental ocean engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex realm of ocean engineering,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable environmental ocean engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Environmental Ocean Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Ocean Engineers use their knowledge of engineering principles and ocean dynamics to design and develop structures, vehicles, and systems used in the preservation, exploration, and sustainable use of the ocean environment.

They are tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and test marine structures and equipment
• Perform analyses and simulations of ocean conditions and marine structures
• Plan and conduct environmental research to improve understanding of the impact of human activities on the ocean environment
• Develop and implement solutions for issues such as ocean acidification, marine pollution, and habitat destruction
• Create innovative designs for renewable ocean energy systems, such as wave energy converters and offshore wind turbines
• Design systems for water quality monitoring and pollution control
• Consult with stakeholders and advise on the feasibility and environmental impact of proposed maritime projects
• Review and comply with environmental regulations and standards in the design and implementation of projects
• Document all stages of the development process for future reference and maintenance

 

Environmental Ocean Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Environmental Ocean Engineer to join our team.

This role involves conducting comprehensive assessments of marine environments, developing innovative solutions to mitigate environmental harm, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in ocean engineering, a deep understanding of marine ecosystems, and the ability to apply engineering principles to solve environmental problems.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments of marine projects
• Design and develop innovative engineering solutions to mitigate environmental harm
• Ensure all marine projects comply with environmental regulations and standards
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address environmental concerns
• Develop and implement environmental monitoring programs
• Provide technical guidance to project teams on environmental considerations
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for stakeholders
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in ocean engineering and environmental science

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Environmental Ocean Engineer or similar role
• Strong understanding of marine ecosystems and environmental science
• Proficiency in using engineering software and modelling tools
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• BSc degree in Ocean Engineering, Environmental Science, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Ocean Engineer
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent field visits to marine sites. Some travel may be required for project site inspections or stakeholder meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Environmental Engineering.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and market considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Environmental Ocean Engineer Do?

Environmental Ocean Engineers work primarily in the realm of marine and coastal environments, specializing in designing, planning and implementing structures and systems that interact with, protect, and enhance the oceanic environment.

They are often employed by engineering consulting firms, government agencies, and research institutions.

They assess the environmental impact of marine constructions, such as offshore wind farms, oil platforms, and sea defenses, and develop solutions to mitigate any potential harm.

They also design and develop oceanographic equipment and marine sensors for monitoring the health of marine ecosystems.

Environmental Ocean Engineers often work on projects related to coastal and offshore structures, ocean power generation, and oceanographic data collection and analysis.

They also contribute to the design of sustainable methods for harnessing energy from ocean waves, tides, and currents.

In addition, these professionals are responsible for addressing issues related to coastal erosion and flooding, pollution control, and conservation of marine habitats.

They often work in multidisciplinary teams with oceanographers, ecologists, and other professionals to manage and resolve complex environmental problems related to oceans.

Their work also involves conducting research, analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders.

They need to stay updated on the latest scientific research and technological advancements in their field to incorporate new knowledge and techniques into their work.

As environmental stewards, Environmental Ocean Engineers play a critical role in protecting and sustaining our world’s oceans while balancing the needs of human society.

 

Environmental Ocean Engineer Qualifications and Skills

An Environmental Ocean Engineer should possess a robust set of technical and soft skills, along with in-depth knowledge of marine environments, to develop effective solutions for ocean-related environmental issues, such as:

• Strong understanding of ocean dynamics, marine geotechnics, and hydrodynamics for developing and designing ocean engineering projects.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and guidelines related to marine habitats to ensure all projects are compliant.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate the impact of engineering solutions on the ocean environment and to develop sustainable solutions.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex engineering concepts to project stakeholders, team members, and clients.
• Ability to use specialized software for simulation and analysis of oceanographic data.
• Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams including marine biologists, chemists, and other engineers.
• Project management skills to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet environmental standards.
• Field skills for conducting site surveys, sampling, and other on-site investigations in various marine conditions.

 

Environmental Ocean Engineer Experience Requirements

Becoming an Environmental Ocean Engineer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in ocean or environmental engineering, or a related field.

However, gaining practical experience is also essential in this line of work.

Entry-level Environmental Ocean Engineers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, possibly from a relevant internship or research project during their undergraduate studies.

These professionals often start their career by working under the supervision of experienced engineers, where they can gain field experience in surveying, data collection, and analysis.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often skilled in areas such as marine pollution mitigation, environmental impact assessments, and coastal engineering.

They may also have gained hands-on experience with computer modeling and simulation tools relevant to this field.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in Environmental Ocean Engineering usually possess advanced skills and knowledge.

They may have expertise in designing and managing large-scale projects, such as the development of offshore wind farms or tidal energy systems.

These professionals might also have leadership experience and could be ready for a senior engineer or project manager role.

In some cases, employers may prefer or require Environmental Ocean Engineers to have a master’s degree or PhD, especially for more complex roles.

Furthermore, certification from a recognized body, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, could be beneficial.

 

Environmental Ocean Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Environmental Ocean Engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, marine science, or a related field.

This undergraduate degree should include coursework in fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, environmental chemistry, and oceanography.

In addition to their degree, they will need a strong background in mathematics and physics.

Skills in computer modeling and simulation are also highly beneficial.

For more advanced positions, a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. in environmental engineering or ocean engineering may be required.

These advanced degrees usually involve more detailed study of marine structures, coastal processes, sediment transport, and marine environmental systems.

As environmental regulations and technologies continue to evolve, many Environmental Ocean Engineers opt for professional development or certification courses to keep their skills up-to-date.

Licensure as a professional engineer (PE) may also be required, particularly for those who work on public projects.

This usually involves passing two exams and gaining a certain amount of work experience.

In addition to these technical skills and qualifications, Environmental Ocean Engineers should have strong problem-solving skills, as well as an understanding of environmental regulations and legislation.

 

Environmental Ocean Engineer Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Environmental Ocean Engineer is $92,046 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, academic qualifications, location, and the organization one is working for.

 

Environmental Ocean Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Ocean Engineer need?

Environmental Ocean Engineers should possess a strong foundation in engineering principles, hydraulics, and coastal processes.

They must have strong analytical skills to assess and predict environmental impacts.

They should also have good communication skills to present findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Knowledge in computer-aided design (CAD) software and geographic information system (GIS) could also be beneficial.

 

Do Environmental Ocean Engineers need a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering is typically required for this role.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or a postgraduate degree in ocean engineering or a related field.

Many employers also prefer candidates who are licensed Professional Engineers.

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Ocean Engineer resume?

Look for a degree in engineering and any relevant certifications or licenses, such as a Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Internship or work experience in ocean engineering or environmental engineering projects is a strong plus.

Be sure to note any proficiency in CAD software, GIS, and other relevant software.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Ocean Engineer?

A good Environmental Ocean Engineer is analytical, detail-oriented, and possesses strong problem-solving skills.

They should be able to work in a team and effectively communicate their ideas and findings.

They also need to have a strong ethical standpoint, as they often work on projects that have significant environmental implications.

 

What are the daily duties of an Environmental Ocean Engineer?

The daily duties of an Environmental Ocean Engineer include designing and assessing marine structures, conducting environmental impact assessments, and creating solutions to mitigate environmental damage.

They may also spend time conducting fieldwork, such as collecting and analyzing data from marine sites.

This role also involves writing reports and presenting findings to stakeholders.

 

What is the career progression for an Environmental Ocean Engineer?

Entry-level Environmental Ocean Engineers often start in design or fieldwork positions.

With experience, they may advance to project management or senior engineering roles.

Some choose to specialize in a particular area, such as coastal protection or offshore renewable energy.

Further career progression may lead to roles such as chief engineer or director of engineering.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we have delved deep into the world of an environmental ocean engineer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about building sea structures.

It’s about safeguarding our oceans and shaping the environmental future, one project at a time.

With our dedicated environmental ocean engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to dive in.

But why stop at the surface?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next wave to creating finely detailed job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every project is a part of the grand oceanic ecosystem.

Let’s protect our oceans. Together.

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