Title: Civil engineer | Explore careers | National Careers Service
Headings: Civil engineer
Civil engineer
Alternative titles for this job include Engineering consultant
Average salary (a year)
Typical hours (a week)
You could work
How to become
What it takes
What you’ll do
Career path and progression
Current opportunities
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Content: More Information
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers for professional development opportunities. Further information
You can find out more about becoming a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers. What it takes
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need: knowledge of engineering science and technology
maths knowledge
knowledge of building and construction
design skills and knowledge
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of English language
thinking and reasoning skills
the ability to read English
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Depending on your specialism, you could 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
Working environment
You could work on a construction site or in an office. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear protective clothing. Career path and progression
Career path and 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.