Engineer
Engineers are essential to safeguarding Hawaiʻi’s limited freshwater resources and protecting its fragile ecosystems. From designing decentralized wastewater systems for rural and shoreline communities to creating resilient infrastructure that withstands climate impacts like sea level rise and flooding. Engineers play a critical role in providing clean, safe water. They are a broad category of workers who design and implement the industrial processes that make water treatment possible. They may work on a large or small scale and may work individually or cooperate with sizeable teams. Engineers often assume varied duties on their jobs. Sometimes, they estimate costs or develop specifications. Other times, they prepare drawings and schematics, design large scale operation systems, or do in-depth research on topics such as environmental impact. heir work ranges from small-scale decentralized systems for rural communities to large-scale wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
Types of Engineers
Civil Engineer
Scope: Broad engineering discipline focused on designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure.
Typical Projects: Roads, bridges, buildings, dams, airports, water supply systems, sewage systems.
Key Skills: Structural design, materials, geotechnical, construction management, hydraulics.
Water Role: Often involved in designing water distribution and sewage collection systems as part of general infrastructure.
Wastewater Engineer
Scope: Specialized branch within environmental or civil engineering focused on wastewater treatment and management.
Typical Projects: Designing wastewater treatment plants, sewer systems, onsite wastewater systems (like septic tanks), stormwater management, effluent discharge controls.
Key Skills: Fluid mechanics, water chemistry, biological treatment processes, regulations on water pollution, system optimization.
Water Role: Directly focused on treating and managing wastewater to protect public health and environment.
Environmental Engineer
Scope: Engineering discipline focused on protecting and improving the environment.
Typical Projects: Water and air pollution control, waste management, remediation of contaminated sites, sustainable design.
Key Skills: Environmental chemistry, toxicology, waste treatment, regulatory compliance, risk assessment.
Water Role: Designs systems for water purification, pollution control, stormwater management, and sustainable water resource management.
Education & Training
This position typically requires:
A Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering. Many positions require a Professional Engineer (PE) license, especially for supervisory or project lead roles. Some engineers pursue a Master’s degree or certifications in areas like sustainability, hydrology, or coastal engineering. In Hawaiʻi, early career experience with agencies (e.g., Department of Health, Board of Water Supply, or county public works) or local firms is highly valued. Experience with Native Hawaiian engagement and culturally sensitive design is a growing asset.
In Hawaiʻi, you can study at:
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa)
College of Engineering – Offers BS degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Website: https://www.eng.hawaii.edu
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Offers a BA in Environmental Science (less engineering-specific, but useful for water-focused career paths).
Website: https://hilo.hawaii.edu
Hawaiʻi Board of Professional Engineers
The Department of Commerce ad Consumer Affairs (DCCA), provides official information for engineers seeking licensure or maintaining their license in Hawaiʻi.
Key Information for Engineers:
Licensure Types: Professional Engineer (PE); Includes various engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, electrical, mechanical).
Licensing Requirements:
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
Meet education and
experience requirements.
Submit a completed application and pay applicable fees.
Renewal Cycle and Continuing Education (CE):
Licenses must be renewed every two years. Failure to renew results in forfeiture of license.
Engineers must complete 16 hours of CE per biennium (2-year cycle). CE must be relevant to engineering and approved under state rules.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Engineering principles, terminology, and best practices,
Computer-aided design (CAD) software,
Water and wastewater treatment processes,
State and federal environmental regulations and permitting requirements,
Pre-construction assessments and field evaluations,
Hazardous material handling and chemical safety (e.g., chlorine, asbestos),
Sustainable design and cost-saving strategies,
Cultural sensitivity, environmental stewardship, and local permitting processes (e.g., CZM, SMA permits).
Skill in:
Designing water and wastewater systems tailored to island environments,
Inspecting facilities and ensuring regulatory compliance,
Providing technical support to operators and technicians,
Communicating complex information to stakeholders, agencies, and the public,
Coordinating with community members on culturally sensitive projects,
Managing project budgets and timelines.
Ability to:
Implement safety protocols and sustainable engineering solutions,
Supervise teams and collaborate across disciplines,
Adapt designs to changing climate conditions and sea level rise,
Build trust and maintain strong relationships with community partners and regulatory agencies,
Travel between islands and to rural sites as needed.
Scholarships and Opportunities
University of Hawaiʻi College of Engineering Scholarships - https://www.eng.hawaii.edu
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Hawaiʻi Section -https://www.ascehawaii.org