Civil Engineer

Summary

Civil engineers plan, design, construct, operate and maintain roads, bridges, dams, water supply schemes, sewerage systems, transportation systems, harbours, canals, dockyards, airports, railways, factories and large buildings.

Duties & Tasks

Civil engineers may perform the following tasks:

  • investigate sites to work out the most suitable foundation for a proposed construction
  • research and advise on the best engineering solution to meet 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 machinery 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 (such as for work on car parks, drainage, roads, aerodromes or sewerage) within set budgets
  • prepare engineering calculations required for the design of projects and supervise the drafting of plans
  • 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 resources
  • 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.

Specialisations

Airport Engineer

An airport engineer specialises in preparing designs for airports, hangars and control towers.

Geotechnical/Soil Engineer

A geotechnical/soil engineer inspects proposed construction sites to work out soil and foundation conditions by conducting drilling and sampling programs. Duties may include preparing specifications of soil mixtures for use in roads, embankments and other construction.

Harbour Engineer

A harbour engineer designs and supervises the construction of harbour facilities such as breakwaters, navigation aids, navigation channels, jetties, wharves, heavy-duty pavement surfaces, cargo sheds and bulk handling plants for grain, ore and other cargo.

Highway Engineer

A highway engineer specialises in analysing population and growth statistics and traffic patterns and volume to project future requirements. Duties may include designing efficient and safe traffic systems, studying roadway and embankment design, the geometry of highway interchanges and the maintenance of facilities such as culverts and overpasses.

Hydraulic/Water Resources Engineer

A hydraulic/water resources engineer designs and supervises construction, and advises on the operation, maintenance and repair of water resource facilities such as dams, aqueducts, hydro-electric plants and water supply, drainage and sewerage systems.

Irrigation/Drainage Engineer

An irrigation/drainage engineer uses tests and measurements to analyse the characteristics of soil, such as salinity, water table level, areas of subnormal plant growth, soil type and surface profile.

Local Government Engineer

A local government engineer administers and supervises 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.

Materials and Testing Engineer

A materials and testing engineer conducts research, development tests and evaluation of the quality or suitability of materials and products such as asphalt, concrete, steel, cement, timber and plastics, taking into account factors such as stresses and strains, estimated load, water pressures, wind resistance and temperature fluctuations related to projects.

Pipeline Engineer

A pipeline engineer specialises in preparing design proposals for pipelines and pipeline equipment, facilities and structures in consultation with petroleum and mechanical engineers.

Railway Engineer

A railway engineer studies design proposals and advises on the construction, maintenance and repair of railway systems including tracks, terminals and yards.

Structural Engineer

A structural engineer designs the framework of buildings, towers, bridges, water treatment structures, tunnels and other structures to make sure of strength and rigidity.

Working Conditions

Civil engineers may work in offices or spend much of their time on site. They may be required to work long hours and meet strict deadlines while working under minimal supervision. Civil engineers deal with various professional, skilled and semi-skilled people.

Consulting and contracting engineers often travel interstate and some travel overseas. It may be necessary for some civil engineers to change residence every few years as their work takes them from one major engineering site to another.

Personal Requirements

  • able to identify, analyse and solve problems
  • good oral and written communication skills
  • aptitude for computing and design
  • practical and creative
  • able to work without supervision
  • able to work as part of a team
  • able to accept responsibility
  • willing to contribute and adhere to the safety requirements of the operation.

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