Civil Engineer Job Description, Duties and Skills Required

A civil engineer conducts and analyzes different survey reports, maps, blueprints, and other topographical or geologic data in order to plan a project. He has to conceptualize, design and supervise the construction and maintenance of buildings, roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, dams, pipelines, power plants, water and sewage systems, and waste disposal units and so on.

Civil Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

  • A civil engineer inspects different project sites to monitor progress and makes sure that the design specifications and safety standards are followed
  • He has to design transportation or hydraulic systems and structures by using the latest software and drawing tools
  • He has to study load and grade requirements, water flow, and material stress factors to make the designs
  • He is also involved in direct construction, operations and all maintenance activities at the site
  • He may have to direct or participate to lay out installations and establish reference points to help in the construction
  • He has to make estimates of quantities and cost of materials, equipment and labor to keep the project feasible
  • He has to make and submit reports related to bid proposals, environmental impact etc
  • Before starting any project he must test soils and materials to see the strength of foundations
  • He must give his expert opinion on the design, construction and structural repairs to the labor
  • He must conduct studies to identify any engineering problem and assess the potential impact of projects and also suggest solutions

Civil Engineer Skills and Qualities

  • Knowledge and implementation of engineering principles, techniques, procedures is very important
  • A civil engineer must have good analytical and math skills
  • He must have good leadership and communication skills

Civil Engineer Education and Qualifications

In order to become a civil engineer, one may go for a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in civil engineering, provided by both private and public institutes.