What Does a Civil Engineer Do?
A civil engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of infrastructure systems and public works. This includes roads, bridges, water systems, buildings, airports, and other essential structures that support daily life. Civil engineers ensure these projects are safe, sustainable, cost-effective, and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.
Balancing office-based design work with field-based oversight, civil engineers work closely with architects, surveyors, contractors, and government agencies. From conducting site inspections to preparing detailed drawings and specifications, they ensure every aspect of a project is structurally sound and environmentally responsible.
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Civil Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design infrastructure projects including transportation systems, bridges, and water treatment facilities
- Prepare site plans, technical drawings, and project specifications
- Conduct soil testing, environmental assessments, and feasibility studies
- Manage construction schedules, budgets, and contractor coordination
- Ensure compliance with building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations
- Oversee site inspections and quality control during construction phases
- Use software tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation for planning and modeling
- Collaborate with architects, surveyors, and government agencies
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in civil engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D)
- Structural analysis and fluid dynamics
- Knowledge of building codes, permitting processes, and construction standards
- Field surveying and site analysis
- Project budgeting and cost estimation
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Team collaboration and client coordination
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field
- ABET-accredited program required for licensure
Certifications
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification required
- Professional Engineer (PE) license typically required for senior roles or project sign-off
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in civil, structural, or environmental engineering
- Experience with green building standards or LEED projects
- Familiarity with GIS, BIM, or other geospatial tools
- Background in public infrastructure, DOT projects, or municipal planning
National Average Salary
Civil engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Civil Engineer is:
$104,550
Sample Job Description Templates for Civil Engineers
Entry-Level Civil Engineer
Position Overview
An Entry-Level Civil Engineer supports infrastructure and construction projects through hands-on design, analysis, and documentation. Under the guidance of senior engineers, they contribute to site development plans, cost estimates, and regulatory submissions.
Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing design drawings and technical documentation
- Conduct field observations and support data collection for feasibility studies
- Use software tools like AutoCAD or Civil 3D to draft designs
- Assist in ensuring compliance with local codes and standards
- Support calculations for grading, drainage, and structural components
- Coordinate with project managers and engineering teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar platforms
- Understanding of construction documents and code requirements
- Basic engineering calculations and modeling
- Familiarity with surveying tools and field data
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and adapt
- Detail orientation and task ownership
- Time management for concurrent projects
- Strong communication and teamwork
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
- FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) certification preferred
Project Civil Engineer
Position Overview
A Project Civil Engineer manages the planning and execution of infrastructure projects, serving as a key liaison between engineering teams, clients, and contractors. They take responsibility for producing technical deliverables and meeting project milestones.
Responsibilities
- Lead project design and development for civil infrastructure systems
- Oversee permitting, environmental assessments, and regulatory compliance
- Prepare and review detailed construction plans, specs, and estimates
- Manage project schedules, deliverables, and subcontractor coordination
- Conduct site visits to monitor progress and resolve field issues
- Mentor junior engineers and review technical outputs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Civil 3D, MicroStation, or GIS platforms
- Site grading, drainage design, and utility coordination
- Project scheduling and document control
- Strong knowledge of local and federal building codes
Soft skills
- Proactive communication with internal and external teams
- Leadership of small engineering teams or consultants
- Effective problem-solving and on-site decision-making
- Strong organizational skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
- FE certification required; PE license preferred or in progress
Senior Civil Engineer
Position Overview
A Senior Civil Engineer leads the design, review, and implementation of large-scale or complex civil engineering projects. They manage cross-functional teams, ensure compliance, and serve as technical subject matter experts for clients and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and QA/QC across project portfolios
- Lead multi-phase infrastructure or land development projects
- Oversee contract negotiations, permitting strategies, and stakeholder engagement
- Collaborate with architects, planners, and regulatory agencies
- Monitor budgets and ensure on-time, within-scope delivery
- Mentor project engineers and support professional development
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced modeling and civil design techniques
- Regulatory permitting and environmental documentation
- Project budgeting and client relationship management
- Risk analysis and constructability reviews
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Leadership in high-pressure or high-impact projects
- Strong presentation and technical writing skills
- Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering; master’s preferred
- PE (Professional Engineer) license required
Principal Civil Engineer
Position Overview
The Principal Civil Engineer sets the vision for engineering standards, growth, and client relationships within a firm or division. They balance strategic oversight with high-level technical contributions and act as the face of complex infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities
- Guide overall engineering strategy, QA/QC standards, and project selection
- Build and maintain client relationships, proposals, and contract negotiations
- Oversee compliance with regulatory, safety, and ethical standards
- Advise on risk mitigation, innovation, and firm-wide technical direction
- Represent the organization in public meetings or regulatory hearings
- Mentor senior staff and influence organizational culture
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep expertise in civil infrastructure systems
- Regulatory advocacy and high-stakes negotiation
- Complex budgeting and program oversight
- Business development and client acquisition
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership and team cultivation
- High-level stakeholder communication
- Conflict resolution and organizational influence
- Public speaking and professional representation
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering; master’s strongly preferred
- PE license required; additional certifications are a plus