Environmental Engineer

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career

Wind is a FREE and renewable energy resource.  This is an important factor for scientists if we want to create a sustainable energy supply without damaging our planet.

A Wind Analyst is a meteorological professional who studies the ‘way and flow’ of the winds by using advanced scientific models and equipment. 

Wind Analysts study the effects of wind to determine exactly where to build wind farm sites to get the maximum power out of the wind in that area.  They are meteorological (weather) experts. 

What does an Wind Analyst do?

• traveling from one site to another to set up equipment
• studying wind patterns using specialised technological equipment
• collating statistics
• locating wind farm sites
• creating a wind maps
• planning new wind farm sites
• advising various organisations, government etc on wind energy
• writing reports
• attending conferences etc

Are you . . . ?

• interested in science?
• inquisitive?
• wanting to help our planet?
• a person interested in ‘green’ occupations?
• a person who recycles?
• willing to travel?
• interested in working in very  windy conditions?
• technically astute?
• willing to do in-depth research?

How do I become a Wind Analyst?

Studying meteorology would probably be your best option.  See Meteorologist on our website for more details.

Most universities in South Africa offer courses in environmental science.  Check your local university for details. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Ecologist or Cartographer

Is becoming a Wind Analyst the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No: 214201

Other names for Civil Engineer:

• Biosystems Engineer
• Construction Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• GIS and Landuse Management Engineer
• Hydraulics Engineer
• Site Design Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Transport Engineer
• Transportation and Urban Planning Engineer
• Water and Wastewater Engineer

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Meet 3 American Civil Engineers and see some of their amazing projects

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Civil Engineer?

Civil Engineering is a term used to describe a large variety of activities which encompass the manufacturing and construction of things which include: the designing, planning, maintenance/servicing and management of usually very large projects/developments etc.

Civil Engineers are extremely skilled and can be found working on buildings, harbours, bridges, water supplies, roads, airports,  sewerage systems, tunnels, dams, large scale housing developments, land reclamation etc etc.

Depending on the type of work, Civil Engineers may work from quiet modern offices to remote areas in rugged terrain. The latter option may require lots of traveling from one site to another.

Here is a list of different areas Civil Engineers can work or specialise in:

• Structural: bridges, roads, towers, tunnels
• Transportation: roads, traffic control, airports
• Water: dams, pipelines, purification, sewerage systems
• Geotechnical: foundations, excavations, fills, mining and land reclamation
• Construction: large scale construction
• Urban: municipal services, housing & town development, maintenance
• Railway and Harbour: railway networks, harbour facilities
• Environmental: impact studies, social and natural environments
• Informatics: data capturing, computers for enhancing civil engineering activities

Young Civil Engineers usually work under the supervision of an experienced engineer and will be gradually given more responsibilities as they gain experience.

What does a Civil Engineer do?

• meets with clients, government officials, architects, urban planners, environmentalists etc
• works with a team – planning and designing the project
• manages the project and the workforce
• travels between sites
• makes sure everything is going according to plan
• handles unforeseen problems and making quick decisions
• services, manages and repairs sites/roads/dams etc
• captures data on the computer
• keeps officials up to date with progress
• reads impact studies, plans, and other documentation
• keeps up to date of local and national building regulations
• is constantly aware of safety issues

Are you . . . ?

• interested in large-scale construction?
• interested in engineering?
• able to see and imagine things in 3d?
• good at mathematics and science?
• accurate?
• able to deal with stress?
• methodical and organised?
• able to make good decisions?
• creative and determined?
• able to work well with others?
• able to communicate clearly?
• healthy?
• a bit thinker?
• able to manage staff?
• prepared to work strange and long hours sometimes?

How do I become an Civil Engineer?

PATH 1:

• Complete a National Diploma or BTech in Civil Engineering at a University of Technology and then enter the job market.
  

PATH 2:

• Complete a minimum 4 year Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at a recognised SA university. Depending on the university, you can either do a Bachelor of Engineering BEng (Civ) or (BIng Civ) or Bachelor of Science (BSc Eng).

• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• Universit of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand
  

PATH 3:

• After completing your Civil Engineering DEGREE and 3 years work experience, register with the ECSA to become a Professional Engineer. This registration is extremely important if you want to perform critically important civil engineering work that has direct impact on public safety etc.

Compulsory Subjects: 

• Mathematics, Physical Science

Recommended Subjects: 

• Information Technology, Geography, Engineering and Technology

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• THE ENGINEERING COUNCIL of SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA)

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Land Surveyor or Agricultural Engineer

Is becoming a Civil Engineer the right choice for me?

In their work, plant pathologists cooperate with plant breeders, crop managers, insect, and weed specialists in developing integrated, environmentally sound approaches to managing crops and their pests.
 
Working together with other specialists, plant pathologists contribute to the production of a stronger economy, safer foodstuffs, a cleaner environment, conservation of soil and water resources, and the health of workers in farms, gardens, and landscapes.

Plant pathologists and bioengineers also work closely together to develop disease-resistant plant varieties, preserving food from spoilage, developing new strains of organisms for biological control, and even in developing composting processes for solid waste disposal.

Information source: http://www.apsnet.org/careers/careers.asp

Other names for Water Conservation Officer:

Hydrographical Technical Officer
Hydrological Technical Officer
Water Quality Analyst
Waste Water Treatment Officer / Technician
Water Quality Technician

What is a Water Conservation Officer?

As a Water Conservation Officers your main duties will be the protection and improvement of environmental habitats that are dependant on ground water.

Becoming a Water Conservation Officer is a specialised role within nature conservation.  It is a position that is growing in popularity due to an increased awareness of the importance and vulnerability of wetland habitats due to the threat of construction and industrial development.

Their role may focus either on the management and conservation of wetland areas, or on the management of the environmental impact of developments that affect groundwater.

What does a Water Conservation Officer do?

• assesses the effect on wildlife of existing and proposed works, e.g. pipelines, drainage or flood defence schemes
• advises on how to safeguard existing wildlife habitats
• promotes educational and public awareness of the environmental importance of wetland habitats and species
• visits sites and monitors work, e.g. wildlife surveys
• negotiates and discusses environmental impact with other professionals (architects, engineers, planners, wildlife groups)

Are you … ?

• interested in conservation?
• interested in science?
• organised?
• dedicated?
• interested in water?
• willing to work a lot outdoors?
• a good communicator?
• thorough and systematic?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Environmental or Public Health

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Environmental Health or Management

PATH 2

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Water Resource Management

• University of Limpopo

• University of Zululand

PATH 3

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Hydrology

• University of Venda

• University of Zululand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Meteorologist … or … Agronomist … or … Marine Biologist

Is becoming a Water Conservation Officer the right career choice for me?

The work covers many kinds of projects, in both urban and rural areas and can range from designing the layout of parks, gardens and housing estates, to city centre design and improving land affected by mining or motorway construction. A landscape architect collaborates closely with landscape contractors, as well as other professionals, especially architects, planners, environmentalists and people working in surveying and engineering functions. The typical work activities for a landscape architect include some or all of the following:

• overseeing the design of a variety of projects, including urban regeneration schemes, pedestrian walkways, road-side spaces and areas around shopping centres.
• working with and highlighting the natural beauty  in an area 
• establishing general landscape requirements with clients; conducting preliminary studies of the site (including contours, soil, ecology, buildings, roads)
• assessing a site’s potential to meet the client’s specifications; carrying out environmental impact assessments; seeking and taking into account the views of local residents, potential users, and parties with a vested interest in the project
• presenting proposals to clients, dealing with their enquiries and negotiating any amendments to proceed to final design
• matching the client’s wishes with your knowledge of what will work best
• accurately preparing and presenting detailed plans and working drawings, including applications, construction details and specifications for the project
• contacting and co-ordinating manufacturers and suppliers;
• putting work out to tender, selecting a contractor and manager (mainly for larger projects), and leading cross-functional teams
• ensuring deadlines are met; liaising with other professionals on the project; monitoring and checking work on-site (on large projects, landscape managers are brought in to do this supervisory work)
• authorising payment once work has been satisfactorily completed
• attending public inquiries to give evidence if necessary
• generating new business opportunities.

What is a Silviculturist?

Silviculturists look after our trees and forests! They may even be called Foresters.

Silviculturists are in DEMAND!

Trees play a very important part in our lives.

They provide us with:

• Oxygen
• Food
• Habitat for animals, birds and insects
• Keep the earth anchored with their roots etc
  

Silviculturists try to control forest regeneration and quality of trees. They are trained to identify diseases and pests.
Trees could be part of our natural heritage or be grown for crops or wood etc.
Silviculturists are usually environmentally aware.

What does a Silviculturist do? (Dendending where they work)

• they monitor forestry activities and adhere to government laws
• they monitor and prevent forest fires
• they plan short and long term programmes to manage the forests and forest resources like water
• they supervise workers
• they plan and implement conservation projects
• they liaise with companies and other environmental agencies
• they prune trees
• they diagnose, treat and prevent diseases spreading
• they identify alien trees
• they remove unwanted trees
• they plan tree-planting programmes

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about trees?
• a lover of the outdoors and nature?
• environmentally aware?
• a person with good communication skills?
• physically fit & strong? can you climb a tree if necessary?
• prepared to work in all weather conditions?
• dedicated?

How do I become a Silviculturist?

For your training path: CLICK HERE 

• SA FORESTRY ONLINE

• FORESTRY SOUTH AFRICA

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Agricultural Technician … or … Wood Technologist

Is becoming a Silviculturist the right career choice for me?

What is a Wildlife Veterinarian?

Are you passionate about wildlife? If you said YES, why not consider becoming a Wildlife Veterinarian.

A Wildlife Veterinarian treats wild animals including birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

Wildlife Veterinarians can work:

• from a private office close to wildlife centres
• in the field
• at rehabilitation centres
• zoos or wildlife parks
• government and private game parks
• museums
• aquariums
• pharmaceutical companies

What does a Wildlife Veterinarian do?

• sedates wild animals for routine examinations
• administers vaccines
• monitors animal behaviour
• monitor eating patterns
• examines animals, take blood and other biological samples
• performs surgery where needed
• prescribes medicines
• takes x-rays
• assists with captive breeding programmes
• assist wildlife rehabilitators
• assists with wildlife relocations and introductions
• performs specialised procedures such as airlifting
• they may conduct lectures or speak to local communities and organisations
• develops treatments
• assists with the import and export of wild animals
• manages breeding projects
• conduct contractual research
• does disease investigation, control and research

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about wildlife?
• intellectual?
• empathic and caring?
• interested in conservation?
• practical?
• strong and healthy?
• willing to work in remote places?
• willing to work unusual hours?
• willing to drive long distances?

How do I become a Wildlife Veterinarian?

To study Veterinary Science in South Africa you have to attend the Onderstepoort campus of the UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

• SAVA: South African Veterinary Association

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Veterinary Surgeon … or … Animal Health Technician

Is becoming a Wildlife Veterinarian the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Wildlife Biologist? 

A Wildlife Biologist studies both animals and plants.

It‘s more common, however, that Wildlife Biologists only work with wild animals.

They study the habits and their habitats, with regard to:

• Environment
• Nutrition
• Behaviour and migratory patterns
• Diseases
• Reproduction and populations
• Threats

Wildlife Biologists must study and work with animals, various eco systems and people in communities to accomplish their objectives.

Wildlife Biologists may even be required to assist law makers when it comes conservation policies.

What does a Wildlife Biologist do?

• research and monitor wildlife populations
• study and determine hunting seasons
• develop programmes to protect endangered and threatened species
• educate the public on wildlife conservation
• maximize game quality
• monitor the impacts alien species
• study the impacts of society and communities on wildlife
• enforce laws regarding wildlife
• assist with the removal of a wild animal in built up areas

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about the outdoors and nature?
• interested in conservation?
• scientific?
• physically fit?
• practical?
• willing to work in remote areas?
• organised?

How do I become a Wildlife Biologist?

Most Wildlife Biologists start their career doing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at one of our local universities.

Once you have your BSc it is recommended you do an Honours and PhD degrees in, for instance:

• Zoology
• Genetics
• Environmental Sciences
• Wildlife Management etc

It will depend on you and what you want to study. Check your local university for their choices.

STEPS

Degree

Relevant Honours degree

Workplace experience

Registration with the SACNASP: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist: (Pr.Sci.Nat)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• THE CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (University of Pretoria)

• SAWMA: The Southern African Wildlife Management Association

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Game Ranger … or … Park Ranger

Is becoming a Wildlife Biologist the right career choice for me?

Other names for Agricultural Advisor:

What is an Agricultural Advisor?

An Agricultural Advisor supports established and developing farmers, as well as to anyone in the agribusiness.

The Agricultural Advisor develops a strong connection with the agricultural sector in a specific region and determines its farming needs and progress.

A major way in which Agricultural Advisors support farmers and agribusinesses is by conducting demonstrations, training classes and programs.

Agricultural Advisors will also strategize and implement plans for agricultural/rural development.

What does an Agricultural Advisor do?

• schedules frequent visits to farmers and business
• identifies agricultural methodological and production problems
• collaborates with farmers and agri-businesses to develop new strategies for production
• advises farmers on farming techniques, feed, equipment, livestock, etc
• holds training sessions and demonstrations
• records and manages progress.
• writes reports

Are you … ?

• a people person?
• a leader?
• organized?
• able to explain ideas clearly and effectively?
• someone who enjoys being outside?
• interested in solving problems?

How do I become an Agricultural Advisor?

The following degrees would be most beneficial to have in order to become an Agricultural Advisor:

• Bachelor of Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science Horticulture
• Bachelor of Commerce Agribusiness Management
• Bachelor of Science Agriculture in Animal Science
• Bachelor of Science Agriculture in Animal Science/Pasture Science

Institutions that may offer these courses:

• North West University
• University of KZN
• University of Limpopo

• ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Agricultural Inspector … or … Agronomist … or … Farm Worker

Is becoming an Agricultural Advisor the right career choice for me?