Key information
Shape the future with a career in environmental engineering
Demand for skilled environmental engineers is on the rise. Environmental engineering offers a wide range of career opportunities focused on sustainability and environmental protection.
Environmental Engineer
Imagine being part of a team that creates the technology of the future, making a tangible difference in people's lives.
Environmental engineers are the visionaries behind the systems that protect our environment. From designing and developing sustainable solutions to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, environmental engineers play a crucial role in various industries.
Water Resources Engineer
Water resources engineers design and manage water supply and distribution systems, ensuring efficient and sustainable use of water resources.
They work on projects such as water treatment plants, irrigation systems, and flood control measures.
Sources: Seek Australia, 2025
Waste and recycling engineer
Turn trash into innovation. Develop smarter systems for waste collection, treatment and resource recovery. With the shift to circular economy policies in Australia, this is a fast-growing and rewarding area.
Great for engineers passionate about sustainability and systems design.
Sustainability Consultant
Help organisations reduce their environmental footprint through innovative design, energy-efficient systems, and green building practices.
Work with large corporations, infrastructure projects, and government agencies. High demand for expertise in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy and net zero planning makes this a lucrative consulting path.
Contamination assessor
Shape the future of sustainable development. Investigate sites for pollutants and design remediation strategies. Essential for urban development, mining rehabilitation, and environmental compliance.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Design, assess, and implement large-scale solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems. Ensure projects meet energy output targets while minimising environmental impact.
Employed by global energy firms, utilities, and major infrastructure projects. Engineers with experience in grid integration and energy storage are particularly well-compensated.
With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:
- Environmental Policy Advisor
- Engineering Project Manager
- Academic or Research Scientist
- Environmental Lawyer
- Climate Risk Analyst
- Urban or Environmental Planner
- Sustainability Strategist
What will you study to start your career in engineering?
We've built this degree in consultation with industry to ensure you learn the skills that are in demand by employers.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
This course is accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of professional engineer. Professional engineering courses accredited by Engineers Australia are recognised internationally under the Washington Accord. Graduates meet the academic requirements for attaining chartered professional engineering status.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Environmental engineering is all about using science and design to protect the planet and improve public health. You’ll create solutions for issues like clean water, pollution, waste management, and climate resilience.
It definitely helps! This degree is ideal for students who care about the environment and want to apply practical skills to solve real-world problems. If you’re the kind of person who wants to make a difference, this is your space.
You could work in government, consulting, mining, water utilities, construction, or renewable energy. Environmental engineers are needed anywhere people are designing infrastructure or systems with a long-term, sustainable focus.
Yes—strong and growing. With the rise of climate adaptation, circular economies, and clean tech, Australian employers are actively looking for engineers who can deliver sustainable solutions.
Absolutely. Many environmental engineers spend part of their time on-site, whether that’s assessing land, testing water, or supervising environmental projects. It’s a great mix of office, lab, and field work.
You’ll learn everything you need at Flinders. Some basic maths knowledge helps, but coding isn’t required before you start—you’ll pick up key skills as part of the course.
Yes! You’ll complete a 20-week professional placement and an honours project in your final year, giving you real-world experience that employers value.
Yes. The first year is common across most Flinders engineering degrees, so you can transfer to civil, mechanical, electrical or biomedical if you find another area that suits you better.
You might work on designing wetlands to treat stormwater, creating systems to reduce landfill waste, or modelling flood protection for a community. Projects are hands-on and often tied to real-world environmental challenges.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
| International Students | 18 | 15% |
| All students | 118 | 100% |
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