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Civil Engineer

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineer Career Details

Civil engineers work on the planning, design, construction and management of projects in a diverse variety of fields. Civil engineering projects can range from working on single fixed structures to local and national infrastructure. Civil engineering is a broad term encompassing several specialised engineering disciplines. Some examples include:

  • Structural – bridges, dams, buildings, offshore platforms and pipelines
  • Transportation – roads, railways, tunnels and airports
  • Hydraulics – principally the movement or diversion of water by channels, canals, water lifts and flood barriers
  • Environmental – public water supply networks, irrigation, drainage, waste disposal and sewerage treatment
  • Maritime – ports, harbours and sea defences
  • Geotechnical – soil mechanics, earthworks and construction foundations.

Many of these disciplines overlap and an engineer may work in general civil engineering, spanning several of these areas or specialise in one particular type.

For all disciplines, typical duties involve:

  • discussing specifications with the client and other professionals such as architects, surveyors and building contractors
  • carrying out analysis of survey, mapping or materials-testing data for drawing up plans and blueprints, using computer modelling and design software
  • re-testing and modifying plans in light of analyses results
  • carrying out feasibility studies for projects, looking at materials, costs, time, labour, environmental impact and risk assessment
  • preparing bids for tenders, and reporting to clients, public agencies and planning bodies
  • managing, directing and monitoring progress during each phase of the project
  • ensuring that projects adhere to legal guidelines, and health and safety requirements.

Fully qualified professional engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status.

Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes. They are often project leaders and are responsible for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians.

Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the day-to-day process of applying current engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner. They often hold key operational management roles.

Working Environment

Civil engineers work both in offices and on site. When draughting designs or compiling reports, they work in the office from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Sitework can be in all weathers and involve extensive travelling, sometimes overseas.

Civil Engineer Related Skills

To be a civil engineer, you should:
  • have excellent maths, science, and IT skills
  • be able to analyse complex problems and critically evaluate solutions
  • be able to visualise and explain theoretical design solutions
  • have strong decision-making skills
  • have excellent communication skills
  • be able to categorise, prioritise and plan effectively
  • be able to work within budgetary constraints
  • have excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills
  • have a comprehensive understanding of legal regulations.

Civil Engineer Career Opportunities

Opportunities are excellent for qualified engineers. Many different types of organisations employ civil engineering graduates, such as local authorities, building contractors, power companies, environmental agencies and specialist consulting firms.

There are also opportunities overseas with British firms of consulting or contracting engineers working for foreign governments, or with international oil and mining companies.

Career progression often involves moving in to more senior project management positions, specialisation in particular fields or consultancy work.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Civil Engineer related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Civil Engineer? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Civil Engineer? Take a look at Training Civil Engineer courses, Postgraduate Civil Engineer courses, Undergraduate Civil Engineer courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.