Marine Environmental Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of climate change, the focus on marine environmental engineers has never been more critical.

As our understanding of our oceans and their ecological systems deepen, so too does the demand for skilled individuals who can develop, enhance, and protect our marine environment.

But let’s delve into the depths: What’s truly expected from a marine environmental engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of marine environmental engineering,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Marine Environmental Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Marine Environmental Engineers play a vital role in the protection and preservation of the marine environment.

Their work involves designing, testing, and implementing systems and solutions to address marine-related environmental problems.

Marine Environmental Engineers have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Analyze marine environments to assess the impact of human activities and natural phenomena
• Develop and implement strategies for water quality management, sediment control, and habitat restoration
• Design and oversee the construction of marine structures such as seawalls, marinas, and ports with minimal environmental impact
• Evaluate the environmental feasibility of marine operations and facilities
• Work with software and modeling tools to simulate marine environments and predict environmental outcomes
• Prepare environmental impact statements and reports as required by regulations
• Advise on best practices for pollution prevention and waste management in marine environments
• Conduct risk assessments to minimize potential environmental hazards
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as biologists and chemists, to address complex environmental problems

 

Marine Environmental Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

This role involves assessing, monitoring, and mitigating environmental risks associated with marine-related projects and activities.

This includes designing systems, structures, and solutions to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems in the marine environment.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in environmental engineering, with a specific focus on marine and aquatic environments.

They should be well-versed in environmental legislation and guidelines related to marine activities and possess excellent problem-solving skills.

The role of the Marine Environmental Engineer is to ensure that all marine projects adhere to environmental regulations and standards, minimizing their impact on marine ecosystems.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating and managing environmental risks associated with marine-related projects
• Designing and implementing systems to prevent or mitigate environmental impact
• Conducting research and development of new technologies for environmental protection in marine settings
• Preparing environmental impact reports and documentation
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including biologists, geologists, and oceanographers
• Developing and implementing environmental management systems and waste management procedures
• Providing technical advice on marine environmental issues

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Marine Environmental Engineer or similar role
• Degree in Environmental Engineering, Marine Science, or a related field
• Strong understanding of marine biology and ecology
• Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
• Experience with environmental impact assessment and mitigation
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in using environmental modeling software

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Marine Environmental Engineer
• Work Environment: Office-based with frequent field visits. Some travel may be required for projects or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Environmental Engineering Manager.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, and in line with market and business considerations.
• 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 outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Marine Environmental Engineer Do?

Marine Environmental Engineers work in a specialized field of engineering that focuses on the marine and coastal environment.

They may work for engineering firms, environmental consulting companies, or governmental agencies.

Their primary role is to design, develop, and implement strategies, systems, and technologies to protect and preserve marine environments.

This often involves creating and managing projects that prevent or mitigate the impact of human activities and natural disasters on marine ecosystems.

Marine Environmental Engineers are responsible for studying and understanding the effects of pollution, climate change, and other environmental factors on marine life and habitats.

They use this knowledge to create innovative solutions to manage and remediate these impacts, such as waste management systems, pollution control mechanisms, and habitat restoration projects.

They also conduct environmental assessments and audits to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and to monitor the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

In addition, Marine Environmental Engineers may be involved in the design and construction of marine structures, such as piers, jetties, and offshore platforms, ensuring that these structures are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Furthermore, they work closely with other professionals like marine biologists, oceanographers, and policymakers to promote marine conservation and sustainable development.

 

Marine Environmental Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Marine Environmental Engineers require a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills and an understanding of marine and environmental sciences.

These may include:

• Proficiency in the design, development and implementation of marine structures and systems to minimize environmental impact.
• Strong understanding of marine biology, oceanography, and environmental sciences to integrate environmental considerations into engineering designs.
• Excellent analytical skills to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of engineering solutions in a marine context.
• Superior problem-solving abilities to identify and address issues that may arise during the design, development, and implementation of marine engineering projects.
• Strong communication skills to effectively explain complex engineering concepts and designs to a wide variety of stakeholders, including clients, project teams, and regulatory bodies.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse teams of engineers, scientists, regulators, and other professionals.
• Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, and standards to ensure compliance in all engineering solutions.
• Physical fitness and comfort with water-based activities, as the role may require field work in marine environments.

 

Marine Environmental Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Marine Environmental Engineers typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field, with practical work experience through internships or co-op programs.

This experience, often gathered over 1-2 years, includes tasks such as marine data analysis, environmental impact assessment, and project management.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience have often progressed beyond entry-level roles and may have taken on more complex projects such as the design and implementation of marine and coastal protection systems, underwater acoustics, or the development of marine renewable energy technologies.

They may also have experience with maritime law and regulations, and environmental safety standards.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience likely possess leadership skills and have taken on larger roles.

They may have supervised teams, managed multiple marine engineering projects, and have extensive experience in liaising with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and the public.

These experienced professionals are often ready for senior or managerial roles in the field of Marine Environmental Engineering.

 

Marine Environmental Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Marine Environmental Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field.

They also require a strong foundation in subjects like hydraulics, waste management, and hydrology.

Knowledge of marine life and ecosystems is highly beneficial in this role.

These engineers often pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering or marine science to specialize and gain deep insights into marine ecosystems and their preservation.

A doctoral degree may be required for research-oriented positions.

They are also encouraged to gain work experience through internships and cooperative-education programs.

This helps them to apply engineering principles to real-world scenarios, particularly in the marine environment.

Furthermore, they often obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which requires a degree from an accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, relevant work experience, and a passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

Continuous learning is critical in this role due to the changing nature of environmental issues.

Hence, many engineers continue to educate themselves through workshops, seminars, and certifications on advanced environmental management systems, waste treatment processes, and marine conservation strategies.

 

Marine Environmental Engineer Salary Expectations

A Marine Environmental Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $85,260 (USD) per year.

This compensation can greatly fluctuate based on factors such as professional experience, level of education, and the geographical location of employment.

 

Marine Environmental Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Marine Environmental Engineer need?

Marine Environmental Engineers need a strong understanding of marine biology, chemistry, and physics.

They need to be proficient in data analysis and computer modeling as well as have strong problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication skills are also important as they often work in teams and must convey complex information to non-experts.

 

Do Marine Environmental Engineers need a degree?

Yes, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field is required.

Many positions prefer candidates with a master’s degree or PhD, particularly for more advanced research or academic positions.

Additionally, some states require professional engineering (PE) licensing.

 

What should you look for in a Marine Environmental Engineer resume?

A Marine Environmental Engineer’s resume should highlight their educational qualifications, preferably in marine or environmental engineering.

Any experience in marine conservation, research or environmental impact assessments should be emphasized.

Proficiency in data analysis, simulation software and technical report writing is an asset.

Also, look for any relevant certifications such as a Professional Engineer license.

 

What qualities make a good Marine Environmental Engineer?

A good Marine Environmental Engineer is passionate about marine conservation and highly analytical, with the ability to solve complex problems.

They should be detail-oriented, capable of conducting thorough research and interpreting data.

Furthermore, they need to have excellent communication skills to effectively present their findings and coordinate with a diverse team of scientists, technicians and policy makers.

 

What are the daily duties of a Marine Environmental Engineer?

A Marine Environmental Engineer may be involved in a range of duties depending on their specific role.

However, typical tasks can include researching and analyzing marine environmental issues, designing and testing equipment or systems to mitigate environmental impact, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

They may also be involved in fieldwork, collecting and analyzing data to monitor marine ecosystems.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dived deep into the realm of what it truly means to be a marine environmental engineer.

Guess what?

It’s not only about engineering solutions.

It’s about safeguarding marine ecosystems and shaping a sustainable future, one project at a time.

With our handy marine environmental engineer job description template and insightful real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why limit your journey here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every project contributes to a larger cause.

Let’s safeguard our oceans. Together.

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