Some of the tasks of a civil engineer include: assessing construction sites: you survey construction sites to determine the feasibility of building projects. That includes obtaining soil samples at different depths to assess strength and compressibility. You also consider a project's impact on the surrounding environment. From the feasibility study, you can plan accordingly to ensure the structure is stable and durable. planning construction and structures: civil engineers study architectural and engineering drawings and plan the construction process. You determine the construction methods, interpret the plans and drawings to avoid mistakes and choose the best materials for the project. You also create a project plan to ensure a systematic process and smooth workflow. assessing budgets: as a civil engineer, you use technical drawings and architectural plans to determine a project's budget. For instance, you estimate equipment and labour costs based on the technical drawings. You also create detailed cost plans and present the proposals to stakeholders for approval. If the client provides a fixed budget for a project, you ensure the construction work doesn't exceed the budget. ensuring compliance with relevant regulations: as a civil engineer, you work on-site during construction to oversee the project. You ensure compliance with the relevant guidelines and rules. For instance, you ensure the project doesn't break any environmental regulations. If the initial design plans change, your job is to ascertain that the new plans comply with quality standards. supervising construction: civil engineers supervise the construction of roads, bridges and buildings. You ensure the construction process follows the stipulated timeline and the designs. You also conduct quality checks during construction. liaising with clients: as a civil engineer, you communicate with stakeholders during various project phases. You recommend design changes and present budget proposals to clients.

You work on infrastructure and construction projects in the public and private sectors as a civil engineer. Some civil engineers also work for consulting companies, civil engineering contractors and mining corporations. You spend time designing building and structural plans in an office. During the construction stage, you work outdoors to oversee the projects. You work in all weather conditions outdoors, exposed to dust and noise. Civil engineers also travel to different locations depending on project requirements. During the planning phase, civil engineers can work from home.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include project managers , project engineers , architects and quantity surveyors. You might also be working close to mining managers and construction managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, industrial electricians , electrical engineers , estimators and site managers .

Civil engineers work approximately 40 hours a week. When planning and designing construction projects, you work regular business hours. Sometimes, you work evenings or weekends to survey construction sites, meet clients or finish a plan before the deadline. Most civil engineers are employed in full-time roles. However, part-time and short-term contracts are available. Some civil engineers also provide private consultations with clients.

Civil engineering has a projected job growth rate of 15.2% in the next five years. That means you have numerous job opportunities to explore. Your career progression path is clearly defined depending on your industry. Most civil engineers become project managers or construction managers, while others specialise as cost planners or architects. With extensive experience, you can become a consultant or lecturer.

advantages of finding a civil engineer job through randstad

Finding your civil engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a civil engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what does a civil engineer do daily?

As a civil engineer, you design and plan construction structures and infrastructure projects like high-capacity roads, railways, cost-effective transport systems and tunnels. You also liaise with clients during construction to ensure the projects achieve the desired objectives.

how does one become a civil engineer?

To become a civil engineer, complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Before you practice, you require a licence and White Card to work on construction sites. You should complete a few years of industrial experience to acquire the licence.

are civil engineers well paid?

The remuneration packages of civil engineers depend on specialisation, industry and experience. The average pay of a civil engineer is $105,000 per year. Some civil engineers take home a remuneration package of as low as $90,000, while others earn over $110,000 based on their experience.

is civil engineering stressful?

Civil engineering is a demanding profession requiring extensive building and construction knowledge. Aside from preparing the technical drawings for buildings and structures, you also oversee budgeting and construction. Some specialisations come with complex responsibilities. For instance, working in mining involves supervising the creation of tunnels for excavation and testing the stability of rocks and soil holding the mines in place.

can a civil engineer become an architect?

Yes. Civil engineers make great architects since their role involves designing infrastructure and building structures. Civil engineers can design optimal buildings and infrastructures because they understand structure holistically. Civil engineers who become architects provide a synergy between aesthetics and structural efficiency. However, civil engineers require additional formal training to become architects.

how do I apply for a civil engineer vacancy?

Applying for a civil engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our civil engineer job offers . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

civil engineer

what is a civil engineer?

As a civil engineer, you design and monitor public facilities and infrastructure construction, including public transport, roads, bridges, buildings and tunnels.

Civil engineers are at the heart of the built environment since they create functional spaces and facilities that help communities thrive. As well as designing buildings and bridges, civil engineers also construct jetliners and space stations. Usually, civil engineers spend a significant amount of time planning and designing projects. They also prepare proposals, supervise construction teams and make design adjustments.

where does a civil engineer work?

Civil engineers work in various business sectors. Most civil engineers are employed in the construction industry bringing structural designs to life. As a civil engineer, you can become a consultant in the construction industry, ensuring building processes are environmentally sensitive and efficient. You also work on infrastructure projects like bridges, tunnels, mines, dams and marine structures. Civil engineers work on space stations and construct jetliners in the aerospace industry. In the automotive industry, they work on design safety and load-carrying capacities. You may also work in the shipbuilding or mining industries.

civil engineer jobs

1

average civil engineer salary

A civil engineer earns about $105,000 per year. When you have minimal expertise in the role, your salary starts at $90,000 annually. However, as you gain experience, your remuneration gradually increases to $110,000 per year. The remuneration package may include car allowances and other benefits.

what factors affect the remuneration package of a civil engineer?

Civil engineers' salaries fluctuate based on skills and credentials. Workers with advanced certifications or professional certificates and licenses earn more than workers without the same credentials. Experience also influences your earnings since the longer you work, the more productive you become. When you have in-demand skills, your salary increases gradually.

The geographical location also affects remuneration packages. For instance, some metro areas or states have higher earnings than others. The cost of living in metro areas also increases earnings.

The industry in which you work as a civil engineer also influences your salary. For instance, working in the public sector attracts lower pay than working in private companies. Some industries, like mining and aeronautics, offer higher remuneration packages.

2

types of civil engineers

Civil engineering divides into various specialisms, including:

geotechnical engineering: ensures the foundations of structures are solid. Your job is to check the soils and rocks supporting the foundations of buildings and tunnels to ensure the systems remain robust after construction. You also design and create plans for retaining walls and tunnels.
structural engineering: as a structural engineer, you design and assess infrastructure projects, analysing structural systems to ensure they don't collapse. You may design and build bridges, dams and buildings. Your primary responsibility is to ensure structures are solid and durable. You also advise on the construction methods and materials to improve structural stability.
transportation engineering: as a transportation engineer, you specialise in planning and designing transport systems to improve infrastructure efficiency. Your job is to assess future travel patterns and design transportation systems based on changing needs. You also design highways, logistical supply systems and rail networks.

3

working as a civil engineer

As a civil engineer, you plan and design infrastructure and buildings that improve people's lives. Let's look at civil engineers' specific duties, work environment and work schedules.

job description
Some of the tasks of a civil engineer include:
- assessing construction sites: you survey construction sites to determine the feasibility of building projects. That includes obtaining soil samples at different depths to assess strength and compressibility. You also consider a project's impact on the surrounding environment. From the feasibility study, you can plan accordingly to ensure the structure is stable and durable.
- planning construction and structures: civil engineers study architectural and engineering drawings and plan the construction process. You determine the construction methods, interpret the plans and drawings to avoid mistakes and choose the best materials for the project. You also create a project plan to ensure a systematic process and smooth workflow.
- assessing budgets: as a civil engineer, you use technical drawings and architectural plans to determine a project's budget. For instance, you estimate equipment and labour costs based on the technical drawings. You also create detailed cost plans and present the proposals to stakeholders for approval. If the client provides a fixed budget for a project, you ensure the construction work doesn't exceed the budget.
- ensuring compliance with relevant regulations: as a civil engineer, you work on-site during construction to oversee the project. You ensure compliance with the relevant guidelines and rules. For instance, you ensure the project doesn't break any environmental regulations. If the initial design plans change, your job is to ascertain that the new plans comply with quality standards.
- supervising construction: civil engineers supervise the construction of roads, bridges and buildings. You ensure the construction process follows the stipulated timeline and the designs. You also conduct quality checks during construction.
- liaising with clients: as a civil engineer, you communicate with stakeholders during various project phases. You recommend design changes and present budget proposals to clients.
work environment

You work on infrastructure and construction projects in the public and private sectors as a civil engineer. Some civil engineers also work for consulting companies, civil engineering contractors and mining corporations. You spend time designing building and structural plans in an office. During the construction stage, you work outdoors to oversee the projects. You work in all weather conditions outdoors, exposed to dust and noise. Civil engineers also travel to different locations depending on project requirements. During the planning phase, civil engineers can work from home.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include project managers, project engineers, architects and quantity surveyors. You might also be working close to mining managers and construction managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, industrial electricians, electrical engineers, estimators and site managers.
work schedule

Civil engineers work approximately 40 hours a week. When planning and designing construction projects, you work regular business hours. Sometimes, you work evenings or weekends to survey construction sites, meet clients or finish a plan before the deadline. Most civil engineers are employed in full-time roles. However, part-time and short-term contracts are available. Some civil engineers also provide private consultations with clients.
job outlook

Civil engineering has a projected job growth rate of 15.2% in the next five years. That means you have numerous job opportunities to explore. Your career progression path is clearly defined depending on your industry. Most civil engineers become project managers or construction managers, while others specialise as cost planners or architects. With extensive experience, you can become a consultant or lecturer.
advantages of finding a civil engineer job through randstad
Finding your civil engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a civil engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

Civil engineers require the following academic qualifications:

bachelor's degree: to become a civil engineer, pursue a four-year bachelor's degree in civil engineering. The entry requirements for the course are completing Year 12 and meeting the subject requirements. During the undergraduate course, you choose your specialism. When you complete the degree, consider higher learning like a master's in civil engineering, or earn a certification to obtain chartered civil engineer status.
licence: most states require a licence to practice civil engineering. You can apply for the licence after your first degree, but you need to practice engineering for four years to get the licence.

civil engineer skills and competencies

Some of the skills of a civil engineer include:

critical thinking skills: you are often confronted with problems and require reasonable approaches to deal with them. Critical thinking helps you think precisely and use your civil engineering knowledge to solve challenging problems.
management skills: you work alongside a variety of professionals. You manage a project or a division and assign tasks to junior engineers. You require management skills to supervise people with diverse personalities and backgrounds.
creativity: you develop cost-effective transport systems and infrastructures. Therefore, you require creativity to create and implement new projects.
time management: you supervise complex construction projects that require effective time management for timely completion. Any delays can affect the budget, so good time management skills help to steer projects and complete them within the stipulated time frames.
problem-solving skills: exceptional problem-solving skills help you deal with challenges during construction. With problem-solving skills, you can ensure that unexpected occurrences don't affect the project.

5

FAQs about working as a civil engineer

Here are the most asked questions about working as a civil engineer:

what does a civil engineer do daily?

As a civil engineer, you design and plan construction structures and infrastructure projects like high-capacity roads, railways, cost-effective transport systems and tunnels. You also liaise with clients during construction to ensure the projects achieve the desired objectives.
how does one become a civil engineer?

To become a civil engineer, complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Before you practice, you require a licence and White Card to work on construction sites. You should complete a few years of industrial experience to acquire the licence.
are civil engineers well paid?

The remuneration packages of civil engineers depend on specialisation, industry and experience. The average pay of a civil engineer is $105,000 per year. Some civil engineers take home a remuneration package of as low as $90,000, while others earn over $110,000 based on their experience.
is civil engineering stressful?

Civil engineering is a demanding profession requiring extensive building and construction knowledge. Aside from preparing the technical drawings for buildings and structures, you also oversee budgeting and construction. Some specialisations come with complex responsibilities. For instance, working in mining involves supervising the creation of tunnels for excavation and testing the stability of rocks and soil holding the mines in place.
can a civil engineer become an architect?

Yes. Civil engineers make great architects since their role involves designing infrastructure and building structures. Civil engineers can design optimal buildings and infrastructures because they understand structure holistically. Civil engineers who become architects provide a synergy between aesthetics and structural efficiency. However, civil engineers require additional formal training to become architects.
how do I apply for a civil engineer vacancy?

Applying for a civil engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our civil engineer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

civil engineer.