What Do Civil Engineers Do?
Dating back to the development of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the profession of civil engineering continues to be an indispensable profession. Those who possess exceptional problem solving, mathematical and scientific skills often gravitate to a civil engineering career. These exceptional and highly creative individuals help to improve our cities’ infrastructure and reduce the potential of environmental damage.
Today’s modern civil engineer is the key component for developing mines, railways, airports, tunnels, towers, bridges, harbours and ports, irrigation systems and mitigation projects to reduce the potential of floods. They use timeless problem solving techniques combined with modern technology to create plans, work with architects, and other types of engineers to create the roads we drive on, improve the water we drink, and improve the ease and efficiency with which we travel. Civil engineers can work with private or government agencies and focus on residential, commercial, and government-specific projects.
Duties & Tasks of a Civil Engineer:
- Inspecting proposed construction sites to determine if the foundations are suitable for development.
- Researching and advising to determine the most practical and affordable engineering solution for each client and their specific needs.
- Analysing the calculations required to draft plans, design projects, and supervise plan completion and development.
- Preparing reports and designs for building and implementing projects.
- Organizing the logistics of securing equipment, supplies, and machinery needed for civil engineering projects.
- Developing programs to organize on-site activity.
- Working with architects, engineers, and environmental science professionals.
- Working with local, state and federal government agencies to prepare annual projects for the upkeep of roads, sewage, and drainage systems.
- Using advanced technology and computer software solutions to assist with the development and planning of civil engineering projects.
- Undertaking coordinated research with project leaders and support teams to test materials, techniques, or solutions used.
- Analysing reports on labour, loading, quality, productivity, materials, and performance related to civil engineering projects.
- Completing risk analysis reports associated with environmental factors.
Civil engineers will often split their daily duties, working both indoors and outdoors. Many on-site projects involve the use of advanced monitoring and reporting equipment and are typically completed with the support of land surveyors and other experts. Civil engineers tend to work long, unsupervised hours, and must meet deadlines that are time and budget sensitive. These professionals work alongside others, from skilled specialists to manual labourers. They must have an analytical mind, but also possess strong interpersonal skills to work efficiently with multiple parties.
It is also common for civil engineers to travel long distances for work. Some projects require international travel, and in some cases civil engineers may even be required to change their residence entirely to meet job requirements.
There are several main areas of speciality that civil engineers can focus on including; water resources, structural engineering, town construction and planning, and transportation. They may work with mining companies, government and municipal agencies, consulting engineering firms, and other civil engineers. It is also common for civil engineers to work as independent contractors or to work with educational facilities. To find out more about the available insurance options for Civil Engineers, click here.
Benefits of Civil Engineering to the Society
Civil engineers are vital to both the world we live in today, as well as the world of the future. They strive to push technology to the limits, while creating solutions that improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and maintain our quality of life. Nevertheless, many potential candidates ask
what impact this career has on our daily society?
In short, engineering is at the heart of our all our activities. It ensures we have flat and smooth roads to drive on, enough water to feed our crops and sustain life and live in buildings that can withstand typhoons, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other potential environmental disasters. This is a career that uses the latest technology, combined with science and mathematics, and techniques passed down over thousands of years. Civil engineers must have the experience and confidence in the training, education, and technology that they use to solve complex problems that impact public health and safety.
Without the hard work of passionate civil engineers, our daily lives would be exceptionally difficult to navigate. Our roads, bridges, water ways, harbours, ports, airports, and civil infrastructure depend on the on an infusion of a new generation of civil engineers.
These professionals need to be dedicated to years of education, on-the-job training, and in many cases, less than desirable working conditions. They should be people who enjoy working outdoors, working long hours, and resolving problems by using critical thinking skills, technology, and good old-fashioned ingenuity. Those who are willing to invest the time and have the patience will benefit from a high-paying and challenging career that is rewarding and helps our society daily.
