Civil Engineer Job Description Sample

A Civil Engineer is responsible for developing design solutions for various civil engineering projects using analytical methods and tools. These professionals ensure that the design meets the requirements given by the clients and also the technical and safety guidelines involved. They also participate in Project management activities and involve themselves in supervising and guiding junior engineers, designers and other professionals.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Civil engineer?

• Perform feasibility study to evaluate an upcoming project and its requirements
• Develop designs of on-site and off-site civil engineering works
• Ensure that all risk assessments have been done ahead of the project
• Help with project planning, budgeting and management of resources
• Execute changes requested by the client during the course of the project
• Evaluate and approve technical drawings done for the project
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) for designing and detailing of structural drawings
• Assist in planning and scheduling of materials and equipment purchases
• Oversee the tendering process and make sure all guidelines are fulfilled
• Liaise with colleagues, architects, contractors and subcontractors employed on site and direct them on the project
• Serve as a mentor to junior civil engineers and staff
• Assist in arriving at innovative and rational solutions to deal with common design and development issues
• Attend peer reviews to discuss the progress of the projects
• Study and ensure that the project meets all environmental and safety regulations
• Ensure that the project meets budget and time constraints

What are the education and entry requirements for Civil engineer?

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related branch is the minimum requirement to apply for a   civil engineering job role. To apply for managerial roles in Civil engineering, you may have to complete a Master's degree program in business. The usual requirement for gaining state licensure is to have the degree program accredited through the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, ABET. License is particularly important when you oversee a project or supervise other professionals.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a successful Civil engineer?

• Ability to work under pressure
• Exceptional problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent design skills
• Ability to work according to the budget and deadline
• Top-notch logical thinking skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Critical thinking
• Excellent creativity
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• A technical bent of mind
• Leadership skills
• Strong analytical aptitude
• Ability to work as part of a team

What are the pros and cons of being a Civil engineer?

Pros:

• Experienced civil engineers can look forward to earning lucrative salaries
• Abundance of job opportunities
• There are a number of specialized areas in civil engineering that one can opt for
• There is a strong demand for skilled talent in the industry
• High job satisfaction
• You will get the opportunity to travel to new places
• Well respected profession

Cons:

• Heavy workload is part and parcel of Civil engineering occupations
• Those in entry-level positions will have to work hard to put their career on firm footing
• Continuing education is required all though your career
• Long work hours
• Tight deadlines
• Travel may be required to carry out inspections onsite
• High-risk work environment
• It is not a tie and suit job -- you will normally be expected to work onsite with your helmet on
• High education time (you need at least a bachelor’s degree in Civil engineering to become eligible for entry)
• Heavy competition for entry into the field
• Complex and demanding nature of work

How much can a Civil engineer earn?

According to salary.com, the median annual Civil Engineer salary is $65,799 and lies in the range of $60,235 to $74,269.

Work environment and career outlook

Civil engineers usually work full time in a variety of locations and settings. They are expected to spend a considerable portion of their work hours outdoors at construction sites to solve issues in operations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for skilled Civil Engineers is expected to grow 8 percent between 2014 and 2024, at about the same rate as all other occupations. As all man-made constructions are bound to age, there will be a constant need for Civil Engineers to renovate, maintain or rebuild structures and infrastructures like roads, dams, railways, airports, harbors, power plants, sewage systems etc. Civil engineers with adequate experience can get promoted to senior roles like Project Managers.