When it comes to getting the right person for the job of a civil engineer, employers will love to hire someone who has a fair idea of his/her duties and responsibilities in the workplace. Therefore, a detailed job description guide such as this one is what one needs to appear as a better candidate.
Working as a civil engineer requires you to conceive, design, build, supervise, operate, construct and maintain infrastructure projects and systems.
Your work is both in the public and private sector, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.
Many civil engineers work in planning, design, construction, research, and education.
As a result they have different duties and responsibilities according to the department they work.
However, there is a general job description that outlines the basic duties and responsibilities of a civil engineer.
This article will attempt to highlight some of those key duties of a civil engineer.
Civil Engineers Duties and Responsibilities
Among other things, here are the most common duties of a civil engineer, irrespective of the company or department.
Whether you are a consultant or a contractor, some of your work activities as a civil engineer will include the following.
- Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, and other topographical or geologic data to plan projects.
- Manage, design, develop, create and maintain small-scale through to large-scale construction projects in a safe, timely and sustainable manner
- Conduct on-site investigations and analyze data (maps, reports, tests, drawings and other)
- Carry out technical and feasibility studies and draw up blueprints that satisfy technical specifications
- Assess construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other factors during the planning and risk-analysis stages of a project
- Compile and submit permit applications to local, state, and federal agencies, verifying that projects comply with various regulations
- Oversee as well as analyze the results of soil testing to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations
- Analyze the results of tests on building materials, such as concrete, wood, asphalt, or steel, for use in particular projects
- Provide advice and resolve creatively any emerging problems/deficiencies
- Oversee and also mentor staff and liaise with a variety of stakeholders
- Handle over the resulting structures and services for use
- Monitor progress and compile reports in project status
- Manage budget and purchase equipment/materials
- Comply with guidelines and regulations including permits, safety etc and deliver technical files and other technical documentation as required
What are the Qualifications and Requirements for the Job of a Civil Engineer?
Civil engineers need a bachelor or master’s degree in civil engineering, in one of its specialties, or in civil engineering technology.
Programs in civil engineering and civil engineering technology include coursework in math, statistics, engineering mechanics and systems, and fluid dynamics, depending on the specialty.
Usually, their courses include a mix of traditional classroom learning, work in laboratories, and fieldwork.
Besides that, other qualifications and requirements of a civil engineer include;
- Proven working experience in civil engineering
- Excellent knowledge of design and visualizations software such as AutoCAD,Civil 3D or similar
- Proficiency in site layout, grading, utility design, erosion control, regulatory approvals etc
- Project management and supervision skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- License of professional engineer
- BS/MA in Civil Engineering
How Many Years of Work Experience Do You Need as a Civil Engineer?Â
Besides the 4 or 5 years of coursework to obtain a B.eng, civil engineers need to gather more experience that will better prepare them for the career.
During high school, students can attend engineering summer camps to see what other engineers do.
Attending these camps can help students plan their coursework for the remainder of their time in high school.
Even after high school, civil engineers can apply for internships to gain hands-on experience on the job.
How Much Do Civil Engineers Earn Per Year?
According to Truity, the median annual wage for civil engineers was $87,060 in May 2022.Â
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,380, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $144,560.
What to Expect Working as a Civil Engineer in a Company
Civil engineers typically work full time and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Engineers who direct projects may need to work extra hours in order to monitor progress on projects.
Also, they ensure that designs meet requirements and guarantee that deadlines are met.
What Special Skills Do You Require as a Civil Engineer?
Just like every other career choice, employers are always eager to employ graduates who have practical skills in addition to their certificates.
Employers seek graduates who are commercially aware and capable of working well within a team environment.
Other key skills a civil engineer should have include:
- sound mathematical, scientific and IT skills
- the ability to think methodically and to manage projects
- problem-solving skills
- ability to work to deadlines and within budgets
- ability to maintain an overview of entire projects while continuing to attend to detailed technicalities
- excellent verbal and written communication skills
- negotiating, supervisory and leadership skills
- complete knowledge of relevant legislation.
What kind of industry employs civil engineers?
If you are pursuing a career in civil engineering, then you should be glad because your services are in high demand.
The increasing need for construction and maintenance of capital projects is one reason why there is something for civil engineers to do every time.
Civil engineers usually specialize in one of several areas and this dictates the type of industry they will most likely work in.
1. Construction engineers
Engineers who have specialty in construction manage construction projects and ensure that they project schedule is in accordance with plans and specifications.
They may also oversee budgetary, time-management, and communications aspects of a project.
2. Geotechnical engineers
This set of engineers work to ensure that the foundations for all projects ranging from streets and buildings to runways and dams, are solid.
They focus on how structures built by civil engineers, such as buildings and tunnels, interact with the earth (including soil and rock). In addition, they design and plan for slopes, retaining walls, and tunnels.
3. Structural engineers
Structural engineers design and assess major projects, such as buildings, bridges, or dams, to ensure their strength and durability.
4. Transportation engineers
They plan, design, operate, and maintain everyday systems, such as streets and highways, but they also plan larger projects, such as airports, ship ports, railways, mass transit systems, and harbors.
Conclusion – Civil Engineer Job Description Guide
Knowing the job description of a civil engineer is one criteria for success in this career.
Being that this is a very admirable and highly competitive career, job applicants must do well to acquaint themselves with details of their duties and responsibilities on the job.
I believe this guide provides detailed work activities of a civil engineer that will make you stand out as a candidate.
Please, share this post so as to reach more people who may need it.
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