Title: Civil engineer: job description | TARGETjobs
Headings: Civil engineer: job description
Civil engineer: job description
Typical employers of civil engineers
Qualifications and training required
Key skills for civil engineers
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Content: undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations
using a range of computer software for developing detailed designs
undertaking complex calculations
liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects and subcontractors
compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures
resolving design and development problems
managing budgets and project resources
scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries
making sure the project complies with legal requirements, especially health and safety
assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects
ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time. Working hours for consulting civil engineers are generally normal office hours, with some extra hours and weekend work close to project deadlines. Contractors, on the other hand, often work shifts and weekends and are outside in all weathers. Find out how much you could earn as a graduate and experienced civil engineer. Typical employers of civil engineers
Construction companies (both consultants and contractors)
Local authorities and government departments
Rail companies
Utility companies. Civil engineers often specialise in a particular types of project or discipline, such as coastal/marine, power, water and transport. Find out more about the key disciplines and specialisms within civil engineering here. Graduates will often apply directly to a scheme in one of these areas. Qualifications and training required
There are routes into a career in civil engineering for both university graduates and school leavers. To find out about how you can get into this career via a school leaver route (eg an apprenticeship or school leaver training programme) see the construction and property sector of TARGETcareers, our website aimed at school leavers, and particularly our article on civil and structural engineering careers.