Civil engineers create, improve and protect the environment in which we live.

They plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building

structures and facilities, such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours,
dams, irrigation projects, power plants, water and sewage systems. They
also design and build tall buildings and large structures, so that they can last
for hundreds of years and withstand all weather conditions.
Civil engineers can either be consulting engineers who advise on projects
and design them, or contracting engineers who turn their plans into reality
and maintain the structures once they are built. Typical civil engineering
work activities include:

Undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site

investigations

Using a range of computer packages for developing detailed

designs

Undertaking complex and repetitive calculations

Liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including

architects, subcontractors, etc

Compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures

Resolving design and development problems

Managing budgets and project resources

Scheduling material and equipment purchases and delivery

Ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed

within budget and on time.
Working as a civil engineer you may be required to work away from home for
periods of time. Frequent visits to sites may also be necessary, especially for
new graduates. Travel abroad may be possible with a large consultancy
company.
While regular office hours are the norm, you may have to work long days and
some weekends close to project deadlines. Overnight and weekend stays
may be required for site inspections. Site engineers and managers can be on
call 24 hours a day.

Typical employers of civil engineers

Local authorities

Government departments

Railways

Water/electricity/gas companies

Civil engineering contractors/consultants.

Opportunities for self-employment: possible for those interested in setting up

their own consultancy firm, but will normally take several years of proven
professional experience.

Qualifications and training required

To become a chartered civil engineer it is necessary to gain a degree in civil
or structural engineering, usually an MEng which is accredited by the
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or and to undertake vocational training for
at least four years with an ICE-accredited employer (contact the ICE for a list
of employers offering approved training schemes). Many employers offer
sponsorship, vacation work and 'year out' placements which can provide
valuable contacts and a useful insight into the profession.
Promotion to senior engineer level is achievable, and with more experience,
to principal engineer level and beyond. Opportunities to specialise in a
diverse range of areas, including coastal and marine, power, water and
roads, are possible.

Key skills for civil engineers

Employers seek creative graduates who are commercially aware and capable
of working well within a team environment. Other key skills include:

Sound mathematical and technical skills including physics

Ability to think methodically, to design, plan and manage

projects

Ability to maintain an overview of entire projects while

continuing to attend to detailed technicalities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Negotiating, supervisory and leadership skills combined with

the ability to delegate.

Two thirds of civil engineers are

employed by either local authorities
(20%), contractors (17%) or consultants
(30%).

Civil Engineer Roles and Responsibilities

Civil engineering is one of the most popular and broadest fields of engineering. It is a branch of
engineering that deals with the construction and design of highways, dams, buildings, tunnels,
bridges, reservoirs and other similar facilities. Civil engineers have a great deal of responsibility
in their field. They are directly responsible for the planning and management of construction to
take place. Not only do they aid in designing but also take an effective part in estimating,
scheduling, obtaining materials, planning, costs, controlling costs and selecting equipment that is
to be used.

In the field of a construction civil engineer, design of the process analysis, construction,
mathematics and science all are very important and necessary. Civil engineers are also directly
responsible for the construction of many important buildings that you come across on a daily
basis.
There are two crucial aspects within this field. You may face difficulty in consulting both a civil
engineer and contracting a civil engineer. The key responsibility of a consulting civil engineer is
regarding designing of the project while contracting civil engineers deal with the actual
construction where they play a significant role in transforming a planned designed layout into
real architecture. Moreover, being a civil engineer, there are many further specializations that are
an essential part of the sector.
A civil engineer job is engaged in different activities starting from the selection of land to the
final construction. Some of the responsibilities and key roles of a civil engineer are as follows:
1. A civil engineer must start from analyzing various areas and factors that are
related to designing and construction
2. Find, investigate and examine the location of the site and verify whether it is
appropriate for construction purposes
3. Its the job of a civil engineer to work according to a plan with regards to what
are the key essentials and what needs to be modified before the construction
starts
4. Review and approve project reports and designs
5. A civil engineer should develop detailed design layout that covers the
requirement of the client.
6. Assess both challenges and potential risks of the planned project

7. Undertake initiatives for risk management and take appropriate steps for it
8. A civil engineers job also includes putting across construction proposal and
site to the specified officials and supervising the tendering process.
9. Ensure that the said rules, regulations and guidelines are followed without
any exception
10.While the project is undergoing, a civil engineer is also responsible for safety
measures on site
11.Analyze and examine different strategies, equations and applications to
ensure appropriate procedure application
12.The civil engineer must also check if all tools and techniques like procedures
of chemical testing, land surveying, drafting software and electrical test
devices are working properly.
13.Monitor the operations and working of staff on the site
14.Interact and communicate effectively with other subcontractors, architects
and consultants
15.The civil engineer must think creatively and logically to resolve various issues
in the development process
16.Set a perfect schedule for purchase of equipments and raw materials
17.Last but not the least, the civil engineer must ensure that the project is
completed on time within the planned budget.

It is necessary that both the consultant and field civil engineer maintain constant communication
throughout the project. Because both have a high level of responsibility the weight of the entire
project, safety, and codes lays upon their shoulders.