Title: Civil Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Headings: Civil Engineers
Civil Engineers
Summary
What Civil Engineers Do
Work Environment
How to Become a Civil Engineer
Pay
Job Outlook
State & Area Data
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Content: State & Area Data
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What Civil Engineers Do About this section
Civil engineers design major transportation projects. Civil engineers conceive, design, build, supervise, operate, construct and maintain infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sector, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment. Many civil engineers work in planning, design, construction, research, and education. Duties
Civil engineers typically do the following: Analyze long range plans, survey reports, maps, and other data to plan and design projects
Consider construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other factors during the planning and risk-analysis stages of a project
Compile and submit permit applications to local, state, and federal agencies, verifying that projects comply with various regulations
Oversee and analyze the results of soil testing to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations
Analyze the results of tests on building materials, such as concrete, wood, asphalt, or steel, for use in particular projects
Prepare cost estimates for materials, equipment, or labor to determine a project’s economic feasibility
Use design software to plan and design transportation systems, hydraulic systems, and structures in line with industry and government standards
Perform or oversee surveying operations to establish building locations, site layouts, reference points, grades, and elevations to guide construction
Manage the repair, maintenance, and replacement of public and private infrastructure
Civil engineers also must present their findings to the public on topics such as bid proposals, environmental impact statements, or property descriptions. Many civil engineers hold supervisory or administrative positions ranging from supervisor of a construction site to city engineer, public works director, and city manager. As supervisors, they are tasked with ensuring that safe work practices are followed at construction sites.