Drainage Engineer

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Drainage Engineer

Drainage engineers are responsible for designing systems that move water or sewage from one place to another, as safely and efficiently as possible.

The Role

  • Leading project meetings
  • Visiting site to gain an understanding of the project
  • Planning the drainage system using computer modelling software
  • Liaising with other teams and departments
  • Preparing costs and schedules
  • Working with clients to ensure that their requirements are fulfilled and expectations met
  • Using advanced computer modelling tools
  • Assessing the environmental impact of proposed works
  • Keeping up to date with changing legislation and codes of practice to ensure compliance
  • Answering technical queries
  • Visiting the site during construction to make sure the works are completed to specification
  • Helping to design flood management or defence systems
  • Combining an in-depth understanding of physics and computer-based designs tools
  • Working standard office hours, Monday to Friday, but there are likely to be occasions when it is necessary to work late, particularly in more senior roles

Salary

  • Newly trained drainage engineers can earn in the region of £23,000-£30,000
  • Trained with experience drainage engineers can earn in the region of £30,000-£45,000
  • Senior, chartered or master drainage engineers can earn in the region of £45,000-£70,000

Salaries typically range depending on location and level of responsibility. Salaries and career options improve with chartered status.

Qualifications and Training

There are a variety of degree subjects that are accepted for entry into the profession, including: 

  • Geology
  • Geography
  • Geophysics
  • Geotechnology
  • Civil Engineering 
  • Physics
  • Engineering

Career trends and forecasts

1090

additional staff needed

The UK construction industry will need an additional 1090 civil engineers (which includes drainage engineers) to meet demand every year from 2017 until 2021, according to the latest Construction Skills Network research (LMI).

Progression Opportunities

Explore the progression opportunities below

Next Steps

Vacancies

Check out the latest Drainage Engineer vacancies: 

As these are external websites, the number of job vacancies related to your preferred job role may vary. 

Check daily to see new opportunities as they are posted!

Find out more

For information on job roles in Scotland please visit the Skills Development Scotland website My World of Work.

Take our Personality Quiz to find out which role is right for you.

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