Definition and Nature of the Work Education and Training Requirements Getting the Job Advancement Possibilities and

Employment Outlook

Working Conditions Earnings and Benefits

DEFINITION AND NATURE OF THE WORK

Civil engineers plan and design bridges and tunnels, as well as highways, airfields, harbors, water and sewage systems, and buildings. They also supervise the construction of such projects to ensure that they are built according to carefully drafted plans. Civil engineering is such a broad and varied field that most engineers specialize in one area. Some of the main specializations include structural, construction, hydraulics, sanitary, environmental, transportation, and soil mechanics engineering.

Structural engineers are experts in building structures safely and efficiently. They work with architects to design large buildings, bridges, and tunnels. Construction engineers supervise the actual construction of projects once they are designed

Civil engineers who work in hydraulics design canals, flood-control systems, and irrigation systems. They study water sources and try to develop ways of using water that will benefit the community.

Sanitary engineers design systems to purify water and treat wastes to provide a safe and economical supply of water. They work with environmental engineers to control water and air pollution.

Transportation engineers plan highways, subways, airports, and railroads. Those who specialize in soil mechanics develop ways to use soil so that building foundations can be improved.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Civil engineers work in an intellectually demanding field that requires a strong aptitude for mathematics and the physical sciences. They need the ability to think logically and creatively to be successful. They must be able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing. Social sciences and humanities classes are usually required as well. Those who want careers in research, development, or teaching will need a graduate degree.

GETTING THE JOB

Many civil engineers work for the government on the state, federal, or municipal level. A good way to start looking for a job is to take the civil service examination, which is required for government work Some engineers work for consulting architectural and engineering firms and in the major manufacturing industries. Professional journals, newspapers classified ads, and job banks on the Internet may also provide leads.

ADVANCEMENT POSSIBILITIES AND EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK There are many opportunities for advancement. Civil engineers who work in civil service can advance from junior engineer to assistant engineer to associate engineer, and then become the head of a department. Employment for engineers will grow about as fast as the average for all jobs through 2014. Urban renewal, growth in rapid transit and industry, and regulations to control air and water pollution will create an increasing demand for civil engineers.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Civil engineers work in many different places, depending on their specialization and their employers. They can work in offices as well as at construction sites.Civil engineers doing research may work in laboratories. Regardless of where they work, civil engineers must face the strain of deadlines and tight schedules. They must be very accurate because their work involves costly projects. Civil engineers report that the personal satisfaction of this work usually outweighs the pressures.

EARNINGS AND BENEFITS

The median income of civil engineers varies by their level of education and training. Government-employed engineers receive the same benefits offered to other civil service workers. Private firms generally offer retirement plans, life and health insurance, and paid vacations and holidays.