what is a civil engineer?
As a civil engineer, you use your expertise in infrastructure operations and construction to supervise construction projects. Your job involves designing, constructing and maintaining infrastructure projects. You also inspect work sites to ensure they conform to safety requirements and meet design specifications. You also oversee the construction process to ensure that high-quality standards are adhered to during construction. As a civil engineer, you participate in cost estimation for the materials and quantities required on the work site. In some projects, you only provide technical advice for structural repairs, programme modifications and design changes.
A civil engineer determines the strength and adequacy of the foundations by testing the materials or soils. You determine how the load requirement is affected by the materials' stress factors and the soil's water flow rates. You also use design software and drawing tools to ensure the construction projects meet government standards.
Working in the role requires extensive engineering knowledge since you apply engineering principles to projects' blueprints and technical drawings. Time management is vital to ensure that resources are fully utilised and the project is completed within the projected time.
Would working as a civil engineer suit your mathematical and complex problem-solving skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a civil engineer role.
civil engineer jobsaverage salary of a civil engineer
According to National Careers, the average salary range of civil engineers, from graduate trainees to experienced workers in the field is £30,000 to £70,000 per year. The earnings of civil engineers usually fluctuate with experience and education level. Graduate and junior civil engineers typically earn an average compensation package of £30,000 to £34,455 annually. When you register with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), your earnings increase to over £56,965 per year. Senior civil engineers and directors take home a compensation package of £70,000 annually.
what factors affect the salary of a civil engineer?
The project size and the specialisation area usually influence civil engineers' earning potential. When you work on medium-scale construction or infrastructure projects, your earnings correlate to the limited budget associated with the project. Handling large projects usually attracts higher compensation packages due to the expertise required. Taking on complex tasks improves your expertise and ability to manage large projects.
Your location also influences your compensation prospects due to the changing demands and living costs affecting salaries. That's why working in London has higher earning potential due to the generous weighting of the remuneration packages.
types of civil engineers
Civil engineers have various specialisation options focusing on different study areas and projects. Some types of civil engineers include:
- structural engineers: a structural engineer specialises in designing and developing large structures that can withstand harsh weather. As a structural engineer, you ensure the materials used to construct a bridge can withstand high winds and other natural events. You also study the gravitational properties of structures and calculate their weight-bearing capacity.
- construction engineers: as a civil engineer, you can specialise in building and constructing houses. You oversee the design and construction of commercial buildings, hospitals and water treatment plants. You ensure the buildings are functional and follow building code regulations.
- geotechnical engineers: as a geotechnical engineer, you study the rocks, soil and materials that support a built system. You also study the composition of earth materials and advise the construction team on the building style that the natural slope can handle.
- transportation engineers: you can specialise in designing transport and network systems like railways and airports. You develop the designs for infrastructure projects and designate safe pathways for various forms of transportation.
working as a civil engineer
Working as a civil engineer requires the application of mathematical principles to various building and infrastructure projects to ensure the stability and strength of the construction. Let's explore the work environments, schedules and daily duties of civil engineers.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the standard tasks of civil engineers include:
- consulting on projects: as a civil engineer, you liaise with clients to establish their project requirements. For instance, if you work on a building, you discuss the building size, material quantities and location with the clients or the architect.
- designing and developing project plans: while you don't draw building plans, you prepare drawings and blueprints with technical specifications. You ensure the design follows the architectural drawing by providing technical information and measurements for the structure. You also resolve any issues that arise during the design and development stage.
- overseeing materials and equipment purchase: as a civil engineer, you participate in all aspects of the project, including communicating with suppliers and providing information on the equipment required for the job. Since your job involves ascertaining structural stability, you study the soil and weather conditions in the area and choose the ideal materials for building a structurally sound project.
- evaluating the environmental impact of projects: as a civil engineer, you ensure the infrastructure project doesn't adversely affect the environment. You evaluate the environmental impact by studying the soil and rock structure before construction to ensure the project doesn't interfere with its formation. When you understand the ground conditions, you can adjust the construction style to avoid damaging the environment.
- ensuring the construction project meets safety standards: as a civil engineer, you ensure the construction plans meet the relevant legal requirements. You adhere to building codes to guarantee safe construction methods.
- completing projects on time: most civil engineering projects have cost and time constraints, and you are responsible for ensuring project completion within the stipulated time. You also oversee the cost implications of every decision to ensure you stay within budget.
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work environment
As a civil engineer, you work both indoors and outdoors. You work in office environments during the design stage and visit the site during construction to ensure the construction team completes the work as expected. Working outdoors exposes you to all weather conditions, including extreme hot or cold temperatures. The role involves travelling to work sites in different locations, either during a project or for your next project. While you can work from home when designing the project, you visit construction sites regularly.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues may include electrical engineers, project managers and project engineers. You also work alongside site administrators and architects, as well as other specialists that could include quantity surveyors, site managers, site supervisors and cost planners.
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work schedule
The typical work schedule of a civil engineer is 42 hours a week. You usually work from Monday to Friday in full-time positions, but the role can involve working unsocial hours. Sometimes, you have an early start or work until late in the evening. Some projects also involve working weekends, depending on your area of expertise. While part-time positions are rare, you can work on short-term contracts before moving on to the next project.
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job outlook
As a civil engineer, you begin your career as a graduate trainee or junior civil engineer and later become the lead engineer or director of engineering. The role provides a clear path for career progression, including becoming a construction or project manager. Some civil engineers become architects or consultants in the construction industry. If you want to progress through specialisation, you have plenty of options, including structural engineer, geotechnical and environmental engineer roles.
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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. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
A career in civil engineering requires educational qualifications, including:
- university: you require a university degree, foundation degree or higher national diploma in civil engineering to work as a civil engineer. Some colleges offer specialisation areas in civil engineering as separate courses. When you complete the degree programme, complete a work placement to gain experience. If you already have a first degree in maths or science, you can join the profession through a post-graduate programme.
- college course: you can pursue a higher national diploma or higher national certificate in college to qualify as a trainee civil engineer. Level 4 and 5 courses are available in construction and the built environment.
skills and competencies
Civil engineers require the following qualities:
- maths skills: you rely on advanced mathematical principles to analyse designs and create structurally sound projects. Your maths skills enable you to calculate the details of every aspect of the project accurately.
- leadership skills: you oversee workers during construction and interact with various professionals to discuss project details. The role requires leadership skills to help you guide people and inspire them towards a common goal.
- decision-making skills: construction and infrastructure projects are complex and involve many steps. Your role involves making complex decisions throughout the construction and design stages.
- problem-solving skills: as a civil engineer, you rely on engineering principles to solve structural problems and other issues that arise during construction. Your problem-solving skills also help you find cost-effective solutions.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a civil engineer
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what does a civil engineer do?
As a civil engineer, you oversee and manage infrastructure projects in various organisations. You design the structures and supervise the construction to completion. Want to learn more about working as a civil engineer? Then check out this article.
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are civil engineers well paid in the UK?
As a civil engineer, your compensation package depends on your level of expertise and the project's complexity. Entry-level salaries start at £30,000 per year, but senior-level roles attract earnings of over £70,000 annually. Want to learn more about working as a civil engineer? Then check out this article.
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is civil engineering a good career in the UK?
Civil engineering has promising career prospects and salary potential in the UK. You have multiple specialisation options if you want to try a different professional direction. Want to learn more about working as a civil engineer? Then check out this article.
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what skills do civil engineers need?
As a civil engineer, you need mathematical aptitude and exceptional computer skills to design construction plans. Problem-solving and analytical skills help you resolve issues that arise promptly. Want to learn more about working as a civil engineer? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a civil engineer vacancy?
Applying for a civil engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our 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!
