Civil Engineer

There are many facets of civil engineering. Generally civil engineers plan, design, construct, operate and maintain roads, bridges, dams, water supply schemes, sewerage systems, transportation, harbours, canals, dockyards, airports, railways, factories and large buildings.

What you would do:

• investigate sites to work out the most suitable foundation for a proposed construction
• research and advise on the best engineering solution to meet with a client's needs and budget
• produce detailed designs and documentation for the construction and implementation of civil engineering projects
• organise the delivery of materials, plant and equipment needed for the construction project and supervise labour
• develop detailed programs for the coordination of site activities
• talk to other engineers, architects, landscape architects and environmental scientists
• assist government bodies in preparing yearly works programs within set budgets (e.g. for works on car parks, drainage, roads, aerodromes or sewerage)
• prepare engineering calculations required for the design of projects and supervise the drafting
• operate computers to assist with the design of civil engineering projects
• coordinate and direct research development and testing of materials, processes or systems related to civil engineering works
• research, advise on and plan the control and minimisation of air, water and solid waste pollution, and the management of water
• supervise the testing and commissioning of completed works
• analyse and interpret reports on loading, labour, productivity, quality, materials and performance
• analyse risks associated with natural disasters including wind, earthquake, fire and floods, and design structures and services to meet appropriate standards
• arrange for geological and geophysical investigations and carry out feasibility studies
• administer and supervise the design, construction and maintenance of projects such as roads, drainage systems, pedestrian and cycle facilities, bridges, buildings, recreation grounds, parks, waste disposal and water treatment schemes within a local government area
• talk to the community and with government departments
• supervise other engineers such as those employed in design and construction, and other employees of the council or corporation such as supervisors and building surveyors

You need to be:

• a good communicator
• analytical
• a good problem solver

You will require:

• year 12 education or a diploma of Civil Engineering
• a degree in Engineering

Improve you chances by:

• taking physics, chemistry, geography and maths subjects
• undertaking work experience
• gaining computer skills
• gaining organisational skills

What you will earn:

Salaries begin at $33,000 per year and can range up to $100,000, depending on experience, particularly at the senior management level.

Long term possibilities:

Civil Engineers may specialise in the following roles; Airport Engineer, Geotechnical/Soil Engineer, Harbour Engineer, Highway Engineer, Hydraulic/Water Resources Engineer, Irrigation/Drainage Engineer, Local Government Engineer, Materials and Testing Engineer, Pipeline Engineer, Railway Engineer, Structural Engineer,Civil Engineering Technologist.

Watch a video about an Engineer.

Government Skills Australia acknowledges the Department of Education, Science & Training, www.jobguide.dest.gov.au/ and www.myfuture.edu.au/ as sources of information within this fact sheet.