A civil engineer is a planner, strategist, or manager for handling infrastructure projects like airports, roads, dams, stormwater drainage, etc. They are considered the backbone for building these types of complex projects. In short, these engineers create a way for facilities like water, electricity, and goods to be transported from place to place. If you are planning to become one, you can continue reading and exploring their duties, etc.
In simple words, civil engineers are responsible for conceiving, designing, building, operating, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects. To understand what they are capable of, let’s discuss their duties:
GET INSIGHTS INTO THE ROLE OF CIVIL ENGINEERS WHO BUILD BRIDGES, BUILDINGS, AND ROADS TO REALIZE WHY THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT IN OUR EVERYDAY ENVIRONMENT!
What are the Duties of Civil Engineers?
- Infrastructure construction projects are quite tough and require more attention to do things right! However, civil engineers review the detailed plans, construction reports, maps, and other essential data to handle the projects.
- They have to consider the project budget, regulations, any expected hazards, and other factors that can affect the project during the planning or construction phase.
- Additionally, they handle all the legal terms including submitting the permit applications to local, state, and federal agencies.
- Civil Engineers are also responsible for reviewing the soil to check its strength for foundation building.
- They are also included in preparing the construction cost estimates for materials, equipment, or labor to determine a project’s economic feasibility.
- Civil Engineers also work on the project designs to plan the transportation systems so that they match the industry standards.
- In case of any change in the plan, they have to make sure everything adjusts to the project requirements.
- Moreover, all the surveying operations are also under these engineer’s duties.
Where do civil engineers work?
The main job of civil engineers is to work for the agencies of the government whereas others work as consultants in the construction companies. So, you can say that they are employed for both private and government clients. In addition to that, civil engineers also work in the US military which is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
If you talk about whether they work on-site or offsite, usually they work in the field during the implementation phase. Whereas, during the planning phase they are working off sites.
Average Earning of Civil Engineers
- The entry-level civil engineers who have less than five years of experience are paid $60,000-$70,000 annually. The agencies or construction companies hire them to mainly focus on the design and analysis of the projects.
- On the other hand, mid-level civil engineers who have experience of more than five years are expected to have a salary between 75,000 to $100,000 100,000 yearly. Their main job is to collaborate with teams and manage the projects as a responsible professional.
- With more than 10 years, the senior civil engineer’s salaries are expected to be between $100,000 to $130,000. senior engineers are responsible for managing huge projects with huge teams and working on high-profile projects.
Different Types of Civil Engineers
Construction Engineers
Construction engineers are responsible to maintain the timelines and keep in check the plans and specifications of the project. Moreover, they are appointed to maintain the structures and ensure their safety during the construction phase. In addition to that, they may have to handle the financial aspect of the project.
Geotechnical engineers
Geotechnical engineers keep an eagle eye on the project foundation whether it is for streets, runways, or dams. They also make sure to check on the soil and rock conditions and see how they interact with the buildings and tunnels.
Structural engineers
The structure engineers are responsible for handling major projects such as buildings, bridges, dams, etc. Their main focus is to look at their strength and durability to prevent any damage in the future.
What skills do civil engineers need?
A skilled and trained engineer needs to be strong in math, physics, and chemistry. In addition to that, they must also have the following capabilities:
- Civil engineers must be experts on the materials they are building and working with. For example, a dam-builder engineer will have to learn about fluid dynamics, and a road-builder about changing soil conditions. However, some of these are learned on the job, and some are a matter of studying.
- Engineers with a good approach to dealing with people, clients, and vendors will have a leg up on the competition.
- As an engineer, you have to create answers to the problems associated with planning and building bridges, roads, tunnels, etc. You will be able to reason things through and think of solutions for construction challenges.
- Civil engineers must be able to write clear and transparent reports with little or no technical or scientific background.
MOST PROBABLY, YOU WILL HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY THE INCREDIBLE WORK OF CIVIL ENGINEERS SO START YOUR JOURNEY BY FOLLOWING OUR GUIDELINES TO BECOME ONE!
Final Words: Career path
Now you know all the duties of a civil engineer who helps to manage large construction projects without hindrance. If you are planning to become then take a relevant degree, do internships, and get hands-on experience. This will help you progress as incorporated engineer status. Remember, it is not an easy job but if handled meticulously with quality control and oversee safety procedures, you can get what you desire!