Civil Engineering Professionals

Civil Engineering Professionals design, plan, organise and oversee the construction of civil engineering projects such as dams, bridges, pipelines, gas and water supply schemes, sewerage systems, roads, airports and other structures; analyse the likely behaviour of soil and rock when placed under pressure by proposed structures and design structural foundations; analyse the statical properties of all types of structures and test the behaviour and durability of materials used in their construction; plan and develop transportation systems; and estimate and monitor the construction costs of projects.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Determining construction methods, materials and quality standards, and drafting and interpreting specifications, drawings, plans, construction methods and procedures
  • Organising and directing site labour and the delivery of construction materials, plant and equipment, and establishing detailed programs for the coordination of site activities
  • Obtaining soil and rock samples at different depths across sites and testing samples to determine strength, compressibility and other factors that affect the behaviour of soil and rock when a structure is imposed and determining the safe loading for the soil
  • Studying architectural and engineering drawings and specifications to estimate total costs, and preparing detailed cost plans and estimates as tools to assist in budgetary control
  • Monitoring changes to designs, assessing effects on cost, and measuring, valuing and negotiating variations to designs
  • Analysing structural systems for both static and dynamic loads
  • Designing structures to ensure they do not collapse, bend, twist or vibrate in undesirable ways
  • Assessing present and future travel flow patterns taking into account population increase and needs change
  • Designing the physical aspects of transportation systems such as highways, railroads, urban transit, air transportation, logistical supply systems and their terminals

Key values of workers in Civil Engineering Professionals

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

  • Relationships

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Top skills required for workers in Civil Engineering Professionals

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Mathematics

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Complex Problem Solving

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.