Civil engineer

A Civil Engineer plans, designs, and supervises the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, airports, dams, and water systems. They ensure that projects are safe, sustainable, cost-effective, and compliant with regulations. Civil Engineers play a crucial role in shaping the built environment by combining technical expertise, project management skills, and environmental awareness to meet the needs of growing populations and modern cities.

The main duties of a Civil Engineer include:

• Designing and managing infrastructure projects such as highways, tunnels, water supply systems, and structural frameworks.
• Conducting feasibility studies, site investigations, and environmental impact assessments.
• Preparing detailed engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Supervising construction works to ensure compliance with design standards and safety regulations.
• Analyzing survey reports, geotechnical data, and material properties to support design decisions.
• Managing project budgets, schedules, and procurement activities.
• Coordinating with architects, contractors, and public authorities throughout all project phases.
• Ensuring compliance with local building codes, environmental policies, and sustainability goals.
• Utilizing modeling and design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, and STAAD Pro.
• Inspecting existing infrastructure and recommending maintenance or rehabilitation strategies.

The following job titles also refer to civil engineer:

harbour civil engineer
civil engineering adviser
infrastructure project manager
civil engineering consultant
director of infrastructure projects
civil engineering expert
investments civil enginee
quality assurance civil engineer
civil engineers
civil engineering specialist

Civil Engineers work in both office and field settings. Office work involves design, analysis, and project management, while fieldwork includes site inspections and supervision of construction activities. The role may require travel to project locations, sometimes in challenging environments or weather conditions. Standard working hours are common, though overtime may be necessary during peak construction phases. The job demands teamwork, adherence to safety protocols, and strong communication with clients, contractors, and government agencies.

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field is required. Core knowledge in structural analysis, materials science, geotechnics, hydraulics, and project management is essential. Practical experience through internships or engineering placements provides valuable exposure to design and construction practices. Proficiency in engineering software and familiarity with national standards (such as Eurocodes, ACI, or AASHTO) are advantageous. Professional certification or registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) is often necessary for senior roles or legal approval of designs. Successful Civil Engineers possess analytical thinking, leadership ability, and strong problem-solving skills to manage complex infrastructure projects.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Civil engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to civil engineer.

environmental mining engineer
geological engineer
land surveyor
renewable energy engineer
transport engineer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of civil engineer.

• Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
• Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
• Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
• Civil engineering: The engineering discipline that studies the design, construction and maintenance of naturally built works such as roads, buildings, and canals.
• Mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products: The offered mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

These skills are necessary for the role of civil engineer.

• Ensure compliance with safety legislation: Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
• Adjust engineering designs: Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
• Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
• Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
• Approve engineering design: Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of civil engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Geomatics: The scientific discipline that studies gathering, storing, and processing geographic information.
• Contamination exposure regulations: The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.
• Photogrammetry: The science of taking photographs from at least two different locations in order to measure land surfaces to be represented in a map, 3D model or physical model.
• Solar energy: The energy which originates from light and heat from the sun, and which can be harnessed and used as a renewable source of energy using different technologies, such as photovoltaics (PV) for electricity production and solar thermal energy (STE) for thermal energy generation.
• Energy market: The trends and major driving factors in the energy trading market, energy trades methodologies and practice, and the identification of the major stakeholders in the energy sector.envelop
• Environmental policy: Local, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state of the environment.
• Business management principles: Principles governing business management methods such as strategy planning, methods of efficient production, people and resources coordination.
• Woodworking processes: Steps in the processing of wood for the manufacturing of wooden articles and types of machines used for these processes such as drying, shaping, assembling and surface finishing.
• Radioactive contamination: The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants’ concentration.
• Wood moisture content: The amount of water contained in wood materials. The effect of wood moisture on the size and physical characteristics of the wood. Suitable moisture contents for different uses.
• Chemistry of wood: The chemical composition of every wood species, which consists of a certain percentage of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and contains carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and other elements.
• Nuclear reprocessing: The process in which radioactive substances can be extracted or recycled for use as nuclear fuel, and in which waste levels can be reduced, yet without the reduction of radioactivity levels or generation of heat.
• Surveying: The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
• Urban planning law: Investments and urban development agreements. Legislative developments regarding construction in terms of environmental, sustainability, social and financial matters.
• Electricity consumption: The different factors which are involved in the calculation and estimation of electricity consumption in a residence or facility, and methods in which electricity consumption can be lowered or made more efficient.
• Timber products: Key features, advantages and limitations of the different timbers and timber based products sold at a company and where to access this information.
• Demolition techniques: Various methods of demolishing structures, like controlled implosion, use of a wrecking ball or jackhammer, or selective demolition. Usage cases of these methods based on type of structure, time constraints, environment and expertise.
• Cartography: The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications. 
• Environmental legislation in agriculture and forestry: Awareness on environmental legislation, policies, principles relevant for agriculture and forestry. Awareness of the impact on the environment of local agricultural procedures and practices. Means to adjust the production to new environmental regulations and policies.
• Air traffic management: Thoroughly understand the major activities in air traffic management, such as air traffic control, air traffic flow management, and aeronautic information services.a
• Impact of geological factors on mining operations: Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
• Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
• Manufacturing processes: The steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.
• Electrical engineering: The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
• Zero-energy building design: The design and building principle whereby the net amount of energy used by the building equals the amount of renewable energy created by the building itself. The concept refers to self-sustaining constructions.
• Design principles: The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.
• Multimodal transport logistics: The logistical supporting activities related to multimodal transport. The different elements of a multimodal system for the movement of goods or people, and all related advantages in terms of time and cost reduction, increased security and reduced risks and reduction of administrative burdens.
• Energy performance of buildings: Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.
• Paper chemistry: The chemical composition of paper and the substances that can be added to the pulp in order to change the paper properties, such as caustic soda, sulfurous acid, and sodium sulfide.
• Hazardous waste treatment: The methods applied in the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste such as asbestos, dangerous chemicals, and various contaminants, as well as the surrounding environmental regulations and legislation. They exclude treatments of waste through incineration.
• Pollution legislation: Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.
• Electrical discharge: The qualities and applications of electrical discharge, including voltage and electrodes.
• Hazardous waste types: The different types of waste which poses risks to the environment or public health and safety, such as radioactive waste, chemicals and solvents, electronics, and mercury-containing waste.
• Construction products: The offered construction materials, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
• Paper production processes: The different steps in the manufacturing of paper and paperboard products, such as pulp production, bleaching, and pressing.
• Electrical power safety regulations: The compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as the appropriate safety gear, equipment handling procedures, and preventive actions.
• Surveying methods: The fundamental principles and procedures of surveying applied to civil engineering, including remote sensing methods, and related equipment.
• Types of wind turbines: The two main types of wind turbines, namely those which rotate along a horizontal or those which rotate along a vertical axis, and their subtypes. The properties and uses of each.
• Environmental legislation: The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
• Project management: The discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
• Geochemistry: The scientific discipline that studies the presence and distribution of chemical elements in the geological systems of Earth.
• Transportation methods: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and optimal work strategies.
• Non-destructive testing: The techniques used to assess the characteristics of materials, products and systems without causing damage, such as ultrasonic, radiographic, and remote visual inspection and testing.
• Pollution prevention: The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.
• Geological time scale: System of chronological measurement dividing geologic history into several temporal divisions and subdivisions that take ancient life, geography, and climates into account.
• Zoning codes: The division of land into zones where various uses and activities are allowed, such as residential, agricultural, and industrial activities. These zones are regulated by legislative procedures and local authorities.
• Topography: Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.
• Consumer protection: The current legislation applicable in relation to the rights of consumers in the marketplace.
• Cost management: The process of planning, monitoring and adjusting the expenses and revenues of a business in order to achieve cost efficiency and capability.
• Geodesy: The scientific discipline that combines applied mathematics and earth sciences in order to measure and represent the Earth. It studies phenomena such as gravitational fields, polar motion, and tides.
• Urban planning: Political and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.
• Aerodynamics: The scientific field that deals with the way gases interact with moving bodies. As we usually deal with atmospheric air, aerodynamics is primarily concerned with the forces of drag and lift, which are caused by air passing over and around solid bodies.a
• Nuclear energy: The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.
• Geophysics: The scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magnetic fields, the internal structure of Earth, and its hydrological cycle.green
• Energy efficiency: Field of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the demand, encouraging efficient use of fossil fuels, and promoting the use of renewable energy.
• Meteorology: The scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.
• Thermodynamics: The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.timber
• Power electronics: The functioning, design, and usage of electronics that control and convert electric power. Power conversion systems are usually categorised as AC-DC or rectifiers, DC-AC or inverters, DC-DC converters, and AC-AC converters.
• Fluid mechanics: The characteristics and properties of fluids, including gases, liquids and plasmas, at rest and in motion, and the forces on them.
• Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
• Soil science: The field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.
• Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Public health: The principles of health and sickness affecting the population, including the means for health promotion and prevention and community and primary care.
• Green logistics: The approaches and activities aimed at minimising the ecological impact of logistics activities.
• Mechanical engineering: Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
• Metrology: The methods and theory of measurement in a scientific context, including internationally accepted units of measurement, practical realisation of these units, and interpretation of measurements.
• Environmental engineering: The application of scientific and engineering theories and principles aimed at improving the environment and sustainability, such as the provision of clean habitation necessities (such as air, water, and land) for humans and other organisms, for environmental remediation in the event of pollution, sustainable energy development, and improved waste management and waste reduction methods.
• Wood cuts: Different ways of cutting wood, across the grain or parallel with it, and radial or tangential to the core. The behaviour of cuts of wood under different circumstances and the optimal cut for a given purpose. Influence of special attributes of the wood, like knots or defects.
• Wildlife projects: Wildlife and animal conservation projects, which aim to protect and preserve ecosystems and habitats of a wide range of animals under threat from urbanisation.
• Industrial heating systems: Heating systems fuelled by gas, wood, oil, biomass, solar power, and other reneable energy sources and their energy saving principles, applicable specifically to industrial buildings and facilities.
• Electric generators: The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.
• Wood products: The various wood products such as lumber and furniture, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
• Safety engineering: The study of the risks associated with engineered designs and systems, accident prevention as well as the safety benefits of reducing deaths and injuries. The discipline focuses on analysing and mitigating potential hazards in engineering processes.
• Construction methods: The various techniques and methods for erecting buildings and other constructions.
• Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
• Types of wood: Types of wood, such as birch, pine, poplar, mahogany, maple and tulipwood.
• Geography: The scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth. It explores the social, political, and economic characteristics of human societies as well as the morphological properties of the Earth.
• Regulations on substances: The national and international regulations on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, e.g. regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
• Types of pulp: Kinds of pulp are distinguished based on their fibre type and the specific chemical processes through which they were created.
• Power engineering: Subdiscipline of energy and electrical engineering which specialises in the generation, transmission, distribution, and usage of electrical power through the connection of electrical devices to motors, generators, and transformers, such as an AC-DC power adapter.
• Traffic engineering: The subdiscipline of civil engineering that applies engineering methods to create safe and efficient traffic flows of people and goods on roadways, including sidewalks, traffic lights, and cycle facilities.
• Sales strategies: The principles concerning customer behaviour and target markets with the aim of promotion and sales of a product or a service.
• Logistics: The management of resources such as materials, time, and information to control the flow of products between the point of origin and the point of use. This includes the production, packaging, storing and transportation of goods.
• Impact of meteorological phenomena on mining operations: Local meteorological conditions and their impact on mining operations, including measurements.
• Radiation protection: The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
• Transportation engineering: The subdiscipline of civil engineering that plans, designs and studies the operation and management of the transportation of people and goods in a safe, efficient, comfortable, economical and environmentally friendly manner.
• Hazardous waste storage: The regulations and procedures surrounding the safekeeping of materials and substances which pose health and safety risks.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
• Automation technology: Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.
• Renewable energy technologies: The different types of energy sources which cannot be depleted, such as wind, solar, water, biomass, and biofuel energy. The different technologies used to implement these types of energy to an increasing degree, such as wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, photovoltaics, and concentrated solar power.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of civil engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Advise on construction materials: Provide advice on and test a wide range of construction materials.
• Examine geochemical samples: Analyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such as minerals, rock or soil.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation: Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.
• Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
• Process customer requests based on the REACh Regulation 1907 2006: Reply to private consumer requests according to REACh Regulation 1907/2006 whereby chemical Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) should be minimal. Advise customers on how to proceed and protect themselves if the presence of SVHC is higher than expected.
• Advise on mining environmental issues: Advise engineers, surveyors, geotechnical staff and metallurgists on environmental protection and land rehabilitation related to mining activities.
• Test wind turbine blades: Test new designs of wind turbine blades which are meant for usage on wind farms, ensuring that the blades are functional and safe for usage on the target wind farm.
• Design transportation systems: Outline and design airports, public transport systems and highways in order to assess how to move people and goods in a safe and efficient manner.
• Record survey measurements
• Collect geological data: Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.
• Promote sustainable energy: Promote the use of renewable electricity and heat generation sources to organisations and individuals, in order to work towards a sustainable future and encourage sales of renewable energy equipment, such as solar power equipment.
• Address public health issues: Promote healthy practices and behaviours to ensure that populations stay healthy.
• Provide information on geothermal heat pumps: Provide organisations and individuals searching for alternative methods to provide buildings with energy on the cost, benefits, and negative aspects of the installation and use of geothermal heat pumps for utility services, and what one must take into account when considering the purchase and installation of geothermal heat pumps.
• Perform risk analysis: Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation’s functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
• Oversee construction project: Make sure that the construction project is carried out in compliance with the building permit, the execution plans, the performance and design specifications, and the relevant regulations.
• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• Manage budgets: Plan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.
• Prepare surveying report: Write a survey report containing information on property boundaries, the height and depth of the terrain, etc..
• Plan engineering activities: Organise engineering activities before starting them.
• Analyse energy consumption: Evaluate and analyse the total amount of energy used by a company or an institution by assessing the needs linked to the operative processes and by identifying the causes of superfluous consumption.
• Plan product management: Manage the scheduling of procedures which aim to maximise sales objectives, such as forecasting market trends, product placement, and sales planning.
• Collect mapping data: Collect and conserve mapping resources and mapping data.
• Maintain nuclear reactors: Repair and perform routine maintenance on equipment which controls nuclear chain reactions to generate electricity, ensure that the equipment functions safely and compliant with legislation.: Manage the scheduling of procedures which aim to maximise sales objectives, such as forecasting market trends, product placement, and sales planning.
• Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
• Develop hazardous waste management strategies: Develop strategies which aim to increase the efficiency in which a facility treats, transports, and disposes of hazardous waste materials, such as radioactive waste, chemicals, and electronics.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Maintain photovoltaic systems: Perform maintenance tasks and repairs on systems which generate electrical energy through the conversion of light into electric currents, the photovoltaic effect. Ensure compliance with regulations, and correct installation of the photovoltaic power system.
• Inspect compliance with hazardous waste regulations: Inspect an organisation’s or facility’s strategies which deal with the management of hazardous waste in order to ensure that their actions are compliant with relevant legislation and that measures are taken to improve protection from exposure, and ensure health and safety.
• Maintain records of mining operations: Maintain records of mine production and development performance, including performance of machinery.
• Use thermal management: Provide thermal management solutions for product design, system development and electronic devices used to protect high power systems and applications in demanding environments. These can be eventually collaborated with customers or other engineers.
• Conduct land surveys: Conduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and digital measuring instruments.
• Advise customers on wood products: Advise others on the applicability, suitability, and limitations of wood products and wood based materials.
• Advise on building matters: Provide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.
• Study prices of wood products: Be aware of current market studies and forecasts concerning supply, demand, trade and prices of wood and related products.stu
• Assemble electrical components: Assemble switches, electrical controls, circuit boards and other electrical components by using hand and soldering equipment.
• Conduct quality control analysis: Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.
• Use geographic information systems: Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Research locations for wind farms: Perform research on-site and using a wind atlas in order to evaluate different locations which could be suitable for the construction of groups of wind turbines, as well as perform follow-up research on the location in order to aid in the development of construction plans.
• Compile GIS-data: Gather and organise GIS-data from sources such as databases and maps.
• Develop mine rehabilitation plan: Develop a mine rehabilitation plan during or after the mine closing process.
• Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• Inspect wood materials: Carry out a thorough inspection of wood material using appropriate methods, instruments, tools, and other apparatus.
• Inspect facility sites: Inspect the land of a possible construction site for distribution facilities by measuring and interpreting various data and calculations by using the appropriate equipment. Check if the field work is conform with plans and specifications.
• Advise on pollution prevention: Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.
• Assess the life cycle of resources: Evaluate the use and possible recycling of raw materials in the whole product life cycle. Consider applicable regulations, such as the European Commission’s Circular Economy Policy Package.
• Develop environmental policy: Develop an organisational policy on sustainable development and compliance with environmental legislation in line with policy mechanisms used in the field of environmental protection.
• Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
• Inspect wind turbines: Perform routine inspections on wind turbines by climbing the turbines and carefully inspecting all parts to identify any problems, and to assess whether repairs have to be arranged.
• Use software tools for site modelling: Use software and other modelling tools to create simulations of and develop scenarios for possible outcomes of site operations. Use the information gathered from simulations and models for analysis and decision making.
• Report test findings: Report test results with a focus on findings and recommendations, differentiating results by levels of severity. Include relevant information from the test plan and outline the test methodologies, using metrics, tables, and visual methods to clarify where needed.
• Meet contract specifications: Meet contract specifications, schedules and manufacturers’ information. Check that the work can be carried out in the estimated and allocated time.
• Design strategies for nuclear emergencies: Develop and oversee the implementation of strategies which aim to prevent equipment malfunctions, errors, and contamination risks in nuclear facilities, and which outline response actions in the event of a nuclear emergency.
• Develop geological databases: Develop geological databases in order to acquire and organise information.
• Oversee pre-assembly operations: Organise and oversee the arrangements preceding the assembly of manufactured products, mostly taking place in factories, including their installation in assembling locations such as construction sites.
• Oversee quality control: Monitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. Supervise product inspection and testing.
• Review meteorological forecast data: Revise estimated meteorological parameters. Solve gaps between real-time conditions and estimated conditions.
• Communicate on minerals issues: Communicate on minerals issues with contractors, politicians and public officials.
• Identify hazards in the workplace: Perform safety audits and inspections on workplaces and workplace equipment. Ensure that they meet safety regulations and identify hazards and risks.
• Operate meteorological instruments: Operate equipment for measuring weather conditions, such as thermometers, anemometers, and rain gauges.
• Carry out environmental audits: Use equipment to measure various environmental parameters in order to identify environmental problems and investigate manners in which they can be resolved. Perform inspections in order to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Make electrical calculations: Determine the type, size and number of pieces of electrical equipment for a given distribution area by making complex electrical calculations. These are made for instruments such as transformers, circuit breakers, switches and lightning arresters.
• Develop radiation protection strategies: Develop strategies for facilities and organisations which are at risk for exposure to radiation or radioactive substances, such as hospitals and nuclear facilities, for the protection of people within the premises in case of risk, as well as the minimisation of radiation exposure during working operations.
• Follow nuclear plant safety precautions: Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.
• Calibrate precision instrument: Examine the precision instruments and assess whether the instrument meets the quality standards and production specifications. Correct and adjust the reliability by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results.
• Respond to electrical power contingencies: Set in motion the strategies created for responding to emergency situations, as well as respond to unforeseen problems, in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as power outages, in order to rapidly solve the problem and return to normal operations.
• Develop material testing procedures: Develop testing protocols in collaboration with engineers and scientists to enable a variety of analyses such as environmental, chemical, physical, thermal, structural, resistance or surface analyses on a wide range of materials such as metals, ceramics or plastics.
• Document survey operations: Complete and file all required administrative, operational and technical documents related to a survey operation.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Manage engineering project: Manage engineering project resources, budget, deadlines, and human resources, and plan schedules as well as any technical activities pertinent to the project.
• Process collected survey data: Analyse and interpret survey data acquired from a wide variety of sources e.g. satellite surveys, aerial photography and laser measurement systems.
• Use methods of logistical data analysis: Read and interpret supply chain and transportation data. Analyse the reliability and availability of findings by using methods such as data mining, data modelling and cost-benefit analysis.
• Analyse environmental data: Analyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
• Provide information on solar panels: Provide organisations and individuals searching for alternative methods to provide facilities and residences with energy on the costs, benefits, and negative aspects of the installation and use of solar panels, and what one must take into account when considering the purchase and installation of solar systems.
• Plan resource allocation: Plan future needs of various resources such as time, money and specific process resources.
• Study aerial photos: Use aerial photos to study phenomena on Earth’s surface.
• Provide information on wind turbines: Provide organisations and individuals searching for alternative energy methods on the cost, benefits, and negative aspects of the installation and use of wind turbines, both residential and common, and what one must take into account when considering the implementation of wind turbine technology.
• Simulate transport problems: Implement transport-related data in software and computer models to simulate transport issues such as traffic jams in order to find innovative solutions.
• Design wind farm collector systems: Design systems which interconnect individual wind turbines on a wind farm and collect the energy and transfer it to a substation, which will allow for the transmission of the generated electrical energy, ensuring that the system connects the turbines to each other and the substation in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform surveying calculations: Perform calculations and gather technical data in order to determine earth curvature corrections, traverse adjustments and closures, level runs, azimuths, marker placements, etc.
• Negotiate with stakeholders: Negotiate compromises with stakeholders and strive to reach the most beneficial agreements for the company. May involve building relationships with suppliers and customers, as well as ensuring products are profitable.
• Ensure equipment cooling: Make sure the machines and installations are properly supplied with air and coolants in order to prevent overheating and other malfunctions.
• Carry out energy management of facilities: Contribute to develop effective strategies for energy management and making sure that these are sustainable for buildings. Review buildings and facilities to identify where improvements can be made in energy efficiency.
• Calibrate electronic instruments: Correct and adjust the reliability of an electronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer and using calibration devices.
• Inspect building systems: Inspect buildings and building systems such as plumbing or electrical systems to confirm compliance with regulations and requirements.
• Advise on use of land: Recommend the best ways to use land and resources. Advise on locations for roads, schools, parks, etc.
• Examine engineering principles: Analyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.
• Communicate on the environmental impact of mining: Prepare talks, lectures, consultations with stakeholders and public hearings on environmental issues related to mining.
• Monitor production developments: Monitor parameters to keep an eye on the production, developments and costs within your area of control.
• Manage contracts: Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.
• Apply digital mapping: Make maps by formatting compiled data into a virtual image that gives a precise representation of a specific area.
• Inspect industrial equipment: Inspect equipment used during industrial activities such as manufacturing or construction equipment in order to ensure that the equipment complies with health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Develop strategies for electricity contingencies: Develop and implement strategies which ensure that swift and efficient actions can be taken in the event of a disruption in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electrical energy, such as a power outage or sudden increase of demand.
• Analyse road traffic patterns: Determine the most efficient road traffic patterns and peak times in order to increase schedule efficiency.
• Supervise staff: Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.
• Conduct environmental surveys: Conduct surveys in order to collect information for analysis and management of environmental risks within an organisation or in a wider context.
• Study traffic flow: Study the synergy between vehicles, chauffeurs, and the transportation infrastructure such as roads, road signs and lights in order to create a road network where traffic can move efficiently and without many traffic jams.
• Identify energy needs: Identify the type and amount of energy supply necessary in a building or facility, in order to provide the most beneficial, sustainable, and cost-effective energy services for a consumer.
• Apply safety management: Apply and supervise measures and regulations concerning security and safety in order to maintain a safe environment in the workplace.
• Analyse transport studies: Interpret data from transport studies dealing with transport planning, management, operations and engineering.
• Monitor nuclear power plant systems: Control nuclear plant systems, such as ventilation and water draining systems, to ensure proper functioning and identify irregularities.
• Create thematic maps: Use various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.
• Manage air quality: Monitoring, audit and management of air quality, including remedial measures.
• Distinguish wood quality: Distinguish different types of wood quality schemes, grading rules, and standards. See how quality differs between certain kinds of wood, such as hardwoods and softwoods.
• Demolish structures: Remove a structure in a safe and efficient manner and dispose of the debris in a correct and environmentally responsible manner. Use a variety of tools and methods to demolish the structure.
• Draft design specifications: List the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.
• Operate surveying instruments: Operate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.
• Value properties: Examine and evaluate land and buildings in order to make valuations about their price.
• Assess project resource needs: Test ideas and purposes of the program against available financial and human resources to work out if the idea is realistic. Take an active role in creating work situations and ensure that the available skills match with the needs of the end user/participant.
• Use CAD software: Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
• Advise on environmental remediation: Advise on the development and implementation of actions which aim to remove sources of pollution and contamination from the environment.
• Coordinate electricity generation: Communicate the current demand of electricity generation to electricity generation workers and facilities in order to ensure that the generation of electrical power can be increased or decreased accordingly.
• Perform sample testing: Examine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.
• Interpret geophysical data: Interpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth’s shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.
• Respond to nuclear emergencies: Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is secured, all necessary areas are evacuated, and further damages and risks are contained.
• Address problems critically: Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.
• Create GIS reports: Use relevant geographic informations systems to create reports and maps based on geospatial information, using GIS software programmes.
• Adjust surveying equipment: Ensure accuracy of measurement by adjusting surveying equipment.
• Conduct field work: Conducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
• Carry out statistical forecasts: Undertake a systematic statistical examination of data representing past observed behaviour of the system to be forecast, including observations of useful predictors outside the system.
• Test safety strategies: Test policies and strategies related to risk and safety management and procedures, such as testing evacuation plans, safety equipment, and carrying out drills.
• Draw blueprints: Draw layout specifications for machinery, equipment and building structures. Specify which materials should be used and the size of the components. Show different angles and views of the product.
• Abide by regulations on banned materials: Comply with regulations banning heavy metals in solder, flame retardants in plastics, and phthalate plasticisers in plastics and wiring harness insulations, under EU RoHS/WEEE Directives and China RoHS legislation.
• Monitor radiation levels: Use measuring and testing equipment and techniques to identify the levels of radiation or radioactive substances in order to control exposure and minimise health, safety, and environmental risks.
• Conduct research before survey: Acquire information about property and its boundaries before the survey by searching legal records, survey records, and land titles.
• Manage timber stocks: Inspect the stock to find out how much is left. Identify any damaged, faulty, or out of date items and move them to the appropriate location. Follow stock rotation methods to ensure stock is used effectively. Handle goods using safe and approved handling methods.
• Develop non-hazardous waste management strategies: Develop strategies which aim to increase the efficiency in which a facility treats, transports, and disposes of non-hazardous waste materials, such as packaging, textiles, scraps, debris, and paper.
• Manage a team: Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments within the organisation and support functions, both internally and externally ensuring that the team is aware of the standards and objectives of the department/business unit. Implement the disciplinary and grievance procedures as required ensuring that a fair and consistent approach to managing performance is consistently achieved. Assist in the recruitment process and manage, train and motivate employees to achieve/exceed their potential using effective performance management techniques. Encourage and develop a team ethic amongst all employees.
• Advise architects: Give advise on design, safety issues, and cost reduction to architects during the pre-application phase.
• Manage environmental impact: Implement measures to minimise the biological, chemical and physical impacts of mining activity on the environment.
• Execute feasibility study: Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making.
• Collect data using GPS: Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
• Monitor contractor performance: Manage contractor performance and assess whether they are meeting the agreed standard and correct underperformance if needed.
• Ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations: Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
• Ensure material compliance: Ensure that the materials provided by suppliers comply with the specified requirements.
• Provide information on geological characteristics: Provide information on geological structures, host rock quality, groundwater implications and details on the mineralogical and textural composition of ores to enable mining and processing to be planned efficiently. The geological model is used to design the mine workings for minimum dilution and maximum ore extraction.
• Compare survey computations: Determine the accuracy of data by comparing computations with applicable standards.
• Check durability of wood materials: Check the categorisation and different levels of durability of wood materials.
• Inform on government funding: Give information to customers related to the grants and financing programmes attributed by the government for small and large scale projects in various fields such as the promotion of renewable energies.
• Investigate contamination: Perform tests to investigate the properties of contamination in an area, or on surfaces and materials, in order to identify the cause, its nature, and the extent of the risk and damage.
• Develop environmental remediation strategies: Develop strategies for the removal of pollution and contaminants from soil, groundwater, surface water, or sediment, taking into account environmental remediation regulations and available technologies.
• Assess environmental impact: Monitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation’s environmental risks while taking costs into account.
• Assess financial viability: Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if the agreement or project will redeem its investment, and whether the potential profit is worth the financial risk.
• Advise on geology for mineral extraction: Provide advice of the impact of geological factors on the development of mineral production. Take into account factors such as cost, safety, and characteristics of deposits.
• Create cadastral maps: Create maps using data gathered during surveying and measurement activities and specialised software which outline a region’s constructions’ and buildings’ boundaries.
• Develop test procedures: Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of products, systems, and components.
• Design wind turbines: Design the electrical components and blades used in equipment which generates energy from the wind into electrical power, ensuring that the design is optimised to ensure safe and efficient production of energy.
• Adapt energy distribution schedules: Monitor the procedures involved in the distribution of energy in order to assess whether energy supply must be increased or decreased depending on changes in demand, and incorporate these changes into the distribution schedule. Ensure that the changes are complied with.
• Design scientific equipment: Design new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.
• Calculate exposure to radiation: Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.
• Develop efficiency plans for logistics operations: Elaborate and implement plans in order to increase efficiency and reduce waste during logistics operations.
• Monitor electric generators: Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.
• Advise on waste management procedures: Advise organisations on the implementation of waste regulations and on improvement strategies for waste management and waste minimisation, to increase environmentally sustainable practices and environmental awareness.
• Design automation components: Design engineering parts, assemblies, products, or systems that contribute to the automation of industrial machines.
• Prepare geological map sections: Prepare geological sections, a vertical view of the local geology.

2142 – Civil engineers 

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 References

1. Civil engineer | ESCO
2. Civil Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Civil Engineer Job Description | Indeed.com
4. Civil Engineer in Canada | Jod Bescription – Job Bank
5. Civil Engineer Job Description – Betterteam
6. Featured image: Photo by Mikael Blomkvist