Civil engineers create, improve and protect the environment in which we live. They plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, water and sewage systems. They also design and build tall buildings and large structures, so that they can last for hundreds of years and withstand all weather conditions.Civil engineers can either be consulting engineers who advise on projects and design them, or contracting engineers who turn their plans into reality and maintain the structures once they are built. Typical civil engineering work activities include: Undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations Using a range of computer packages for developing detailed designs Undertaking complex and repetitive calculations Liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects, subcontractors, etc Compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures Resolving design and development problems Managing budgets and project resources Scheduling material and equipment purchases and delivery Ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time.Working as a civil engineer you may be required to work away from home for periods of time. Frequent visits to sites may also be necessary, especially for new graduates. Travel abroad may be possible with a large consultancy company.While regular office hours are the norm, you may have to work long days and some weekends close to project deadlines. Overnight and weekend stays may be required for site inspections. Site engineers and managers can be on call 24 hours a day.Typical employers of civil engineers Local authorities Government departments Railways Water/electricity/gas companies Civil engineering contractors/consultants.Opportunities for self-employment: possible for those interested in setting up their own consultancy firm, but will normally take several years of proven professional experience.Qualifications and training requiredTo become a chartered civil engineer it is necessary to gain a degree in civil or structural engineering, usually an MEng which is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or and to undertake vocational training for at least four years with an ICE-accredited employer (contact the ICE for a list of employers offering approved training schemes). Many employers offer sponsorship, vacation work and 'year out' placements which can provide valuable contacts and a useful insight into the profession.Promotion to senior engineer level is achievable, and with more experience, to principal engineer level and beyond. Opportunities to specialise in a diverse range of areas, including coastal and marine, power, water and roads, are possible.Key skills for civil engineersEmployers seek creative graduates who are commercially aware and capable of working well within a team environment. Other key skills include: Sound mathematical and technical skills including physics Ability to think methodically, to design, plan and manage projects Ability to maintain an overview of entire projects while continuing to attend to detailed technicalities Excellent verbal and written communication skills Negotiating, supervisory and leadership skills combined with the ability to delegate.

Two thirds of civil engineers are employed by either local authorities (20%), contractors (17%) or consultants (30%).

Civil Engineer Roles and Responsibilities Civil engineering is one of the most popular and broadest fields of engineering. It is a branch of engineering that deals with the construction and design of highways, dams, buildings, tunnels, bridges, reservoirs and other similar facilities. Civil engineers have a great deal of responsibility in their field. They are directly responsible for the planning and management of construction to take place. Not only do they aid in designing but also take an effective part in estimating, scheduling, obtaining materials, planning, costs, controlling costs and selecting equipment that is to be used.

In the field of a construction civil engineer, design of the process analysis, construction, mathematics and science all are very important and necessary. Civil engineers are also directly responsible for the construction of many important buildings that you come across on a daily basis. There are two crucial aspects within this field. You may face difficulty in consulting both a civil engineer and contracting a civil engineer. The key responsibility of a consulting civil engineer is regarding designing of the project while contracting civil engineers deal with the actual construction where they play a significant role in transforming a planned designed layout into real architecture. Moreover, being a civil engineer, there are many further specializations that are an essential part of the sector. A civil engineer job is engaged in different activities starting from the selection of land to the final construction. Some of the responsibilities and key roles of a civil engineer are as follows: 1. A civil engineer must start from analyzing various areas and factors that are related to designing and construction 2. Find, investigate and examine the location of the site and verify whether it is appropriate for construction purposes 3. Its the job of a civil engineer to work according to a plan with regards to what are the key essentials and what needs to be modified before the construction starts 4. Review and approve project reports and designs 5. A civil engineer should develop detailed design layout that covers the requirement of the client. 6. Assess both challenges and potential risks of the planned project 7. Undertake initiatives for risk management and take appropriate steps for it 8. A civil engineers job also includes putting across construction proposal and site to the specified officials and supervising the tendering process. 9. Ensure that the said rules, regulations and guidelines are followed without any exception 10. While the project is undergoing, a civil engineer is also responsible for safety measures on site 11. Analyze and examine different strategies, equations and applications to ensure appropriate procedure application 12. The civil engineer must also check if all tools and techniques like procedures of chemical testing, land surveying, drafting software and electrical test devices are working properly. 13. Monitor the operations and working of staff on the site 14. Interact and communicate effectively with other subcontractors, architects and consultants 15. The civil engineer must think creatively and logically to resolve various issues in the development process 16. Set a perfect schedule for purchase of equipments and raw materials 17. Last but not the least, the civil engineer must ensure that the project is completed on time within the planned budget.

It is necessary that both the consultant and field civil engineer maintain constant communication throughout the project. Because both have a high level of responsibility the weight of the entire project, safety, and codes lays upon their shoulders.