Job Description
Civil engineers provide a wide range of services to clients. During the early stages of a career, work will involve taking responsibility for minor projects, but the size of the projects may increase as you gain experience. Tasks often include:
undertaking technical and feasibility studies and site investigations;
developing detailed designs;
assessing the potential risks of specific projects, as well as undertaking risk management in specialist roles;
supervising tendering procedures and putting together proposals;
managing, supervising and visiting contractors on site and advising on civil engineering issues;
overseeing the work of junior staff or mentoring civil engineers throughout the chartership process;
communicating and liaising effectively with colleagues and architects, subcontractors, contracting civil engineers, consultants, co-workers and clients;
thinking both creatively and logically to resolve design and development problems;
managing budgets and other project resources;
managing change, as the client may change their mind about the design, and ensuring relevant parties are notified of changes in the project;
leading teams of other engineers, perhaps from other organisations or firms;
compiling, checking and approving reports;
reviewing and approving project drawings;
using computer-aided design (CAD) packages for designing projects;
undertaking complex and repetitive calculations;
scheduling material and equipment purchases and delivery;
attending public meetings to discuss projects, especially in a senior role;
adopting all relevant requirements around issues such as building permits, environmental regulations, sanitary design, good manufacturing practices and safety on all work assignments;
ensuring that a project runs smoothly and that the structure is completed on time and within budget;
correcting any project deficiencies that affect production, quality and safety requirements before final evaluation and project reviews.