Civil Engineer

Job Description:

Civil engineers design, manage, and maintain construction projects.

Job Category:

Engineering & Construction

What you will do:

You could work in these areas of engineering:

structural (dams, buildings, offshore platforms and pipelines)
transportation (roads, railways, canals and airports)
environmental (water supply networks, drainage and flood barriers)
maritime (ports, harbours and sea defences)
geotechnical (mining, earthworks and construction foundations)
You’ll be:

planning with the client
analysing surveys, testing and mapping data using computer modelling software
creating blueprints using computer aided design (CAD)
judging if projects are worth doing by looking at costs, time and labour
checking risks and the effects on the environment
preparing bids for tenders, and reporting to clients and government agencies
managing and checking progress at each stage
making sure sites follow health and safety rules

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of engineering science and technology
maths knowledge
knowledge of building and construction

As well as:
design skills and knowledge
thinking and reasoning skills
complex problem-solving skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You’ll usually need an engineering degree (BEng) or a Master’s degree (MEng) in civil engineering.

You could start as a technician and study part-time for an HND or foundation degree, leading to a degree in civil engineering.

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may work evenings and weekends.

You’ll spend time in an office and on project sites.

Career Path & Progression:

With incorporated or chartered engineer status, you could move into senior project management roles. You could also specialise in a particular engineering field, work in research or become a consultant. You could work overseas with British consulting firms, and for oil and mining companies.

You could also work for international development and disaster relief agencies.