Civil engineers

What do they do?

Among other things, they make sure our communities have clean water to drink and safe roads to drive. Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction of structures such as buildings, airstrips, roads, water and sewage systems, bridges, and dams. They may study building sites, draw layouts, make models, and discuss alternatives with clients. They may also estimate costs, prepare reports on bidding and construction documents, and inspect sites during construction. Attending public hearings and other meetings is often part of the job. They may also do such things as conduct research, advise on engineering problems, and teach.

Work Activities

Design and direct the construction of structures.
Meet with clients concerning plans.
Supervise the maintenance of structures and facilities.
May teach or supervise engineering programs.
May do technical research using computers.
May work as a member of an urban planning team.
May test the strength and reliability of the parts of a structure.
May specialize in highway, water resources, environmental, structural, or public works engineering.

Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of engineering principles, design, math, and computer technology.
Skills in technical writing, planning, and supervision.
Understanding of building materials, methods, and codes.
Ability to make decisions, take responsibility, and work on a team.

Have ability to learn principles of engineering.
Be able to make decsions based on exact measurements and set standards.
Be able to communicate technical information in speaking and writing.
Be able to visualize objects from pictures, drawings, and description and to se slight differences in objects and drawings.
Be able to take responsibility for planning and directing a project and to work as a part of a team.

Work settings

Environment: Work indoors in offices, laboratories, or factories and outdoors at construction sites.
Hours: Work 40 to 45 hours a week with some longer hours possible to complete a project.
Employers: Manufacturing firms, construction companies, government agencies, educational institutions, consulting firms, public utilities, railroads, heavy industries, and self-employed.

Employment & wages

By 2000, it's estimated that 1,459 civil engineers will be employed in Nebraska. Growth and/or turnover create approximately 42 annual job openings. It's estimated that 219,000 civil engineers will be employed in the U.S. by 2005.

Projected growth
Nebraska - Little change or more slowly than average, 9%
National - About as fast as average, 19%
Nebraska annual beginning wage: $24,000 to $28,000
Nebraska annual experienced wage: $28,000 to $42,000
National annual average wage: $28,000 to $38,000

Licensing / certification & Training

Registration is available but not usually required except in some public interest areas. To be registered as a civil engineer, a person must complete four to five years of approved education in engineering, have three or four years of work experience, and pass an exam given by the Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Architects. After completing college, a person may take an exam to be a certified as an engineer-in-training.

A bachelors degree in engineering from an accredited program is required.

Some employers require a graduate degree.

Part-time employment in a related job is helpful.

Helpful high school subjects

High school subjects that may help prepare individuals for this occupation include English, literature, composition, algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, foreign language, biology, chemistry, physics, government, economics, construction, business and consumer law, drafting, and computer applications.

Bibliography

Nebraska Career Information System: Occupations (1996-97 ed.), pp. 64-65.
Complete Guide for Occupational Exploration (1993 ed.), pp. 160-167.
Dictionary of Occupational Titles (4th ed. Revised, 1991), p. 19.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (1996-97 ed.), p. 80.

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