what is a civil engineer?
As a civil engineer, you design and monitor public facilities and infrastructure construction, including public transport, roads, bridges, buildings and tunnels.
Civil engineers are at the heart of the built environment since they create functional spaces and facilities that help communities thrive. As well as designing buildings and bridges, civil engineers also construct jetliners and space stations. Usually, civil engineers spend a significant amount of time planning and designing projects. They also prepare proposals, supervise construction teams and make design adjustments.
where does a civil engineer work?
Civil engineers work in various business sectors. Most are employed to bring structural designs to life in the construction industry. As a civil engineer, you can become a consultant in the construction industry, ensuring building processes are environmentally sensitive and efficient. You also work on infrastructure projects like bridges, tunnels, mines, dams and marine structures. Civil engineers work on space stations and construct jetliners in the aerospace industry. In the automotive industry, you work on design safety and load-carrying capacities. You may also work in the shipbuilding or mining industries.
Would working as a civil engineer suit your interest in construction and advanced mathematical skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a civil engineer role.
civil engineer jobsaverage civil engineer salary
According to Job Bank, civil engineers take home a salary of $119,917 per year. On the lower side, your earnings start at $93,384 yearly. When you become a licensed civil engineer with over four years of experience, you earn over $123,015 annually.
how to increase your salary as a civil engineer
Civil engineers earn varied salaries based on experience and at different stages of their careers. In an entry-level position, you attract a lower salary, but your earnings increase with experience. You can also boost your earnings by specializing in higher-paying roles like structural or transportation engineering. Since civil engineers' earnings differ from one location to another, you should check out which regions offer a higher earning potential.
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access our tooltypes of civil engineers
Civil engineering is divided into various specialisms, including:
- geotechnical engineering: you ensure the foundations of structures are solid. Your job is to check the soils and rocks supporting the foundations of buildings and tunnels, as you must ensure that the systems remain robust after construction. You also design and create plans for retaining walls and tunnels.
- structural engineering: as a structural engineer, you design and assess infrastructure projects, analyzing structural systems to ensure they don't collapse. You may design and build bridges, dams or buildings. Your primary responsibility is to ensure structures are solid and durable. You also provide advice on the construction methods and materials, helping to improve structural stability.
- transportation engineering: as a transportation engineer, you specialize in planning and designing transport systems to improve infrastructure efficiency. Your job is to assess future travel patterns and design transportation systems based on changing needs. You also design highways, logistical supply systems and rail networks.
working as a civil engineer
If you want to become a civil engineer, discover the duties, responsibilities and career prospects associated with the role.
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what does a civil engineer do?
Some of the tasks of a civil engineer include:
- assessing construction sites: you survey construction sites to determine the feasibility of building projects, which includes obtaining soil samples at different depths to assess strength and compressibility. You also consider a project's impact on the surrounding environment. From the feasibility study, you plan accordingly to ensure that the structure is stable and durable.
- planning construction and structures: civil engineers study architectural and engineering drawings and plan the construction process. You determine the construction methods, choose the best materials for the project, and interpret the plans and drawings to avoid mistakes. You also create a project plan to ensure a systematic process and smooth workflow.
- assessing budgets: as a civil engineer, you use technical drawings and architectural plans to determine a project's budget. For instance, you estimate equipment and labour costs based on the technical drawings. You also develop detailed cost plans and present the proposals to stakeholders for approval. If the client provides a fixed budget for a project, you ensure the construction work doesn't exceed the budget.
- ensuring compliance with relevant regulations: as a civil engineer, you work on-site during construction to oversee the project. You ensure compliance with the relevant guidelines and rules. For instance, you ensure the project doesn't break any environmental regulations. If the initial design plans change, you ascertain that the new plans comply with quality standards.
- supervising construction: civil engineers supervise the construction of roads, bridges and buildings. You ensure the construction process follows the stipulated timeline and the designs. You also conduct quality checks during construction.
- liaising with clients: as a civil engineer, you communicate with stakeholders throughout the various project phases. You recommend design changes and present budget proposals to clients.
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work environment of a civil engineer
As a civil engineer, you work on infrastructure and construction projects in the public and private sectors. Some civil engineers also work as contractors for consulting companies or mining corporations. You spend time in an office designing building and structural plans. During the construction stage, you work outdoors to oversee the project. You work in all outdoor weather conditions, exposing yourself to dust and noise. Sometimes, you travel to different locations, depending on project requirements. During the planning phase, it is possible to work from home.
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who are your colleagues?
As a civil engineer, your colleagues depend on the projects you work on and the industry you work in. For instance, in construction, you work alongside architects, construction project managers and material handlers. You also collaborate with other engineers, including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and electricians.
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civil engineer work schedule
Civil engineers work approximately 40 hours a week. When planning and designing construction projects, you work regular business hours. Sometimes, you work evenings or weekends to survey construction sites, meet clients, or finish a plan before the deadline. Most civil engineers are employed in full-time roles. However, part-time and short-term contracts are available. Some civil engineers also provide clients with private consultations.
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career opportunities as a civil engineer
Civil engineering has a promising projected job growth rate. That means you have numerous job opportunities to explore. Since civil engineering has various specializations, you can choose an area in high demand. Your career progression path is clearly defined and depends on your industry. Most civil engineers become project managers or construction managers, while others specialize as cost planners or architects. With extensive experience, you can become a consultant or lecturer.
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advantages of finding a job as a civil engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
civil engineer skills and education
To become a civil engineer in Canada, you need the following educational requirements:
- bachelor’s degree: pursue a bachelor's degree in civil engineering to learn the required skills. A master’s degree or doctorate improves your career prospects but is not mandatory.
- licensing and work experience: you require a territorial or provincial licence to work as a professional engineer. A licence is required for civil engineers to approve engineering drawings and reports. When you graduate with a bachelor’s degree, you need three or four years of supervised work experience. You can get a licence after passing the professional practice examination. In British Columbia, you receive licensing from the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, while Professional Engineers Ontario is the licensing body for Ontario. Some employers also require Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the Canada Green Building Council.
competencies and characteristics of civil engineers
Some of the skills of a civil engineer include:
- critical thinking skills: you are often confronted with problems and require reasonable approaches to deal with them. Critical thinking helps you think precisely and use your civil engineering knowledge to solve challenging problems.
- management skills: as a civil engineer, you work alongside various professionals. When managing a project or a division, you assign tasks to junior engineers. Management skills help you supervise people with diverse personalities and backgrounds.
- creativity: your job is to develop cost-effective transport systems and infrastructures. Therefore, you require creativity to create and implement new project plans.
- time management: you supervise complex construction projects that require effective time management for timely completion. Any delays affect the budget, so good time management skills help you steer projects and complete them within the stipulated time frames.
- problem-solving skills: exceptional problem-solving skills help you deal with challenges during construction. With problem-solving skills, you can ensure that unexpected occurrences don't affect the project.
- interpersonal skills: as a civil engineer, you require good people-management and communication skills. You work closely with other construction professionals to complete projects, so good communication helps you get along with others. Being a good listener and respecting people's ideas or suggestions is also important.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a civil engineer.
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what are the main duties of civil engineers?
As a civil engineer, you plan and design transportation, infrastructure and construction projects. You design and create plans for building roads, water treatment plants and bridges. Aside from checking the designs, you evaluate the feasibility of projects and evaluate budget demands before construction begins. Some things to evaluate include sustainability and environmental impact.
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are civil engineers in demand in Canada?
Civil engineers are expected to remain in demand due to Canada's aging infrastructure and increasing urbanization. With population growth, the government continues to increase public facilities. The best cities with a high demand for civil engineers include Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton.
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is civil engineering a good job in Canada?
Working as a civil engineer is a promising career in Canada. The need for infrastructural development in high-population areas has increased the demand for civil engineers. With numerous areas of specialization, you have promising career growth opportunities. You also enjoy a lucrative salary and various benefits.
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how much does a civil engineer make?
As a civil engineer, your average salary is $119,917 annually. When you join the role with minimal experience, you start with a salary of $93,384 yearly. Experienced civil engineers make up to $123,015 per year. Exact earnings vary depending on your work experience and qualifications.
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what skills does a civil engineer require?
As a civil engineer, it's important to have extensive knowledge of construction and infrastructure planning. Aside from technical knowledge, you require soft skills to work well with others. For instance, you need strong interpersonal skills to work and build strong relationships with other professionals. Your communication skills help you communicate technical terms in simple language.
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how do I find a job as a civil engineer?
Finding a job near you as a civil engineer is easy. Search our job offers. Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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