What Does a Civil Engineer Do?

Most people have probably heard of civil engineering—from a relative, on the news, or on the web. But because the work of a licensed civil engineer typically occurs behind the scenes, many may be unsure of what these licensed engineers actually do.

So, what do civil engineers do? To clear up any questions you might have about civil engineering and what it looks like as a career, we’ll outline the daily responsibilities of these hard-working professionals, as well as the skills they employ and the paths they can take.

What is Civil Engineering?

As the name suggests, civil engineering is a branch of engineering—it takes the scientific approach to building and design. According to the book “An Introduction to Civil Engineering” by Valdengrave Okumu, as cited by Civil Engineering Portal, the term “civil engineering” was originally coined in the 18th century to mean the opposite of military engineering, which was the dominant form of engineering at the time.

The field of civil engineering includes the conception, construction, and maintenance of public and private structures. Specially trained and licensed engineers develop roadways, dams, pipelines, buildings, waste management systems, and other vital aspects of our communities.

Ultimately, a civil engineer’s goal is to improve the lives of those around them through safe, thoughtful and efficient infrastructure projects.

The Everyday Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer

Once you grasp the definition of civil engineering, you can start to form an abstract understanding of what civil engineers work to accomplish. But what are the day-to-day responsibilities of a civil engineer?

Exact duties will vary by industry, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most civil engineers will be responsible for the following tasks (and more):

• Designing new public or private civil engineering projects
• Analyzing and preparing reports, maps, and budgets
• Organizing permit applications
• Meeting with project managers and government officials to discuss planning
• Developing plans to repair or replace existing infrastructure
• Staying up to date on changing zoning laws and regulations

As they gain work experience and move up in rank, some civil engineers may enter project management roles. In these supervisory positions, engineers oversee projects to ensure workers follow safety and legal guidelines.

Skills Every Civil Engineer Should Have

If you’re wondering how to become a civil engineer, there are a few skills that employers will look for. To complete their daily tasks, civil engineers rely on various hard and soft skills. If you’re considering a civil engineering career, it will be important to have an aptitude in areas like:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Reading maps and blueprints
• Computer skills (specifically, proficiency with software like Civil 3D and AutoCAD)
• Technical writing
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Teamwork and communication
• Time management
• Leadership

If you haven’t mastered these skills yet, don't worry: these are exactly the competencies you’ll focus on throughout your post-secondary schooling. The most important thing is to have some grounding and a strong interest in these topics, as they are all a big part of being a civil engineer.

Common Industries for Civil Engineers

In many ways, civil engineering is the backbone of our society. From the sewage systems underfoot to the power lines overhead, many essential services wouldn’t exist without a trained construction engineer.

With constant confusion between civil engineering vs architecture and so many types of infrastructure, it should come as no surprise that civil engineering jobs exist in dozens of exciting industries, including:

• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Aviation
• Construction
• Federal, state, and local government
• Oil and gas
• Transportation
• Waste treatment and disposal
• Water management

When asking, “How much do civil engineers make?” the answer will depend on the specific job. That said, there are a tremendous number of benefits to pursuing civil engineering as a career, but one of the most noteworthy is the ability to work in an industry that inspires you. Because there are opportunities in dozens of industries—and in locations across the country—finding a civil engineering job in a sector that ignites your passion is well within your reach.