A civil engineer works in the field of civil engineering, which is concerned with the design, construction, and maintenance of public works. These professionals may work for municipalities or for private companies that have been awarded contracts to construct such public works. Civil engineering requirements vary by country, but in general, the position requires at least a four-year degree and, in some cases, formal certification before someone can advertise as a civil engineer.
Civil engineering is one of the oldest and most widely practiced engineering disciplines. It focuses on public works projects such as transportation, water treatment, government buildings, public facilities like airports and train stations, and other large-scale projects that benefit the public. A civil engineer must be able to design structures that are both safe and compliant with local building codes. To ensure that these structures last for years, they must be designed with maintenance, efficiency, and other economic considerations in mind.
Civil engineers construct bridges, tunnels, freeway interchanges, and other structures in the transportation industry to ensure a smooth, even flow of traffic while allowing for expansion and higher use rates. Sewage plants, fresh water delivery systems, dams, and other facilities that handle both fresh and waste water are all part of water treatment, while government buildings range from police stations to city halls. A civil engineer might work on a city power plant or a major office building, for example.
Given that civil engineers are highly trained and skilled, pay for these professionals is typically quite high. Public-sector jobs may not pay as well as private-sector jobs, but they may include benefits and prominent positions in the community, whereas private contractors can entice civil engineers with enticing benefits and compensation packages. Depending on how much time a civil engineer spends in the field, the job can be dangerous, but it can also be very exciting, especially in areas where cutting-edge technology and design techniques are being integrated into public works.
People who want to pursue a career in civil engineering should plan to take a lot of math and science in high school and pursue civil engineering degrees in college. Graduate school is strongly recommended for advanced positions and additional knowledge.