What is a civil engineer

Civil engineers are conceptual thinkers and precise implementers. They are experts in designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure that we use in our daily lives, from roads and bridges to tunnels and skyscrapers, and beyond.

Civil engineers, very similar to civil construction engineers and civil structural engineers, are involved in construction processes, ensuring that building projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They are often responsible for managing the overall project, from the initial planning stages through to completion. This involves coordinating various contractors, suppliers and construction workers, and resources, monitoring progress, and adjusting the project plan as necessary.

In the role of civil engineer, a common responsibility includes the maintenance and repair of infrastructure projects, guaranteeing that they remain safe and functional. This may involve regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades to ensure that the infrastructure continues to meet the needs of a community.

Civil engineers furthermore play a crucial role in ensuring public safety, designing infrastructure projects that are resilient to natural disasters and other threats. They may develop evacuation plans, design structures to withstand earthquakes, and create flood protection systems to protect communities from severe weather events.

Today, civil engineers are increasingly focused on developing infrastructure projects that are environmentally sustainable, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction. They may use advanced technologies such as green building materials and renewable energy systems to create sustainable infrastructure.

Civil engineers are most often needed in sectors where large-scale construction happens, such as in the building industry. Civil engineers help build airports, tunnels, plants, dams, and many types of massive structures. Civil structural engineers can also work in the oil and gas industry on offshore oil rigs. Next to building structures, they are also regularly involved in the safe demolition of infrastructure.

Civil engineers may specialize in different areas of civil engineering, such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources engineering, and environmental engineering.

Apply now for a job as a Civil engineer! 

Operations Manager - Civil Engineering

Location: Wangara

Branche: Infrastructure

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 5 years

Oversee daily operations across multiple construction projects, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project timelines and budgets. Manage and lead project teams, including project managers, engineers, and field personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Provide leadership and mentoring to project teams, fostering professional development, team cohesion, and a high-performance culture. Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, resource utilisation, and cost-efficiency across projects. Monitor project performance and provide regular reporting to senior leadership on progress, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and internal policies, including HSE and quality standards. Coordinate with clients, subcontractors, and stakeholders to maintain strong working relationships and address operational issues promptly. Contribute to tender preparation and business development, leveraging operational insights to support successful bids and secure future project work. Support workforce planning and mobilisation, ensuring the right resources are in place to meet project demands. Drive innovation and process improvements, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and adopt best practices.

Process Engineer

Location: Perth

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Validation

Experience: 4 years

Delivery of process engineering scopes across the portfolio Development of discipline work scopes and delivery schedules Driving HSEQ performance, process safety and integrity management throughout delivery of scope including participation in HAZOP/LOPA workshops and resultant action closeout. Collaborating across projects and asset teams to drive efficient solutions across process discipline areas Ensuring conformance with WMS, Engineering Standards and Specifications Management of change, both internally within Woodside and externally with Contractors Ensuring robust and 'fit for purpose' governance, verification, validation and assurance for all scope elements Driving consistency and continuous improvement in ways of working Ensuring liaison with Subject Matter Experts and Technical Authorities where required Drive performance of the engineering team, through Contractors, to strive for outstanding results Ensuring tasks are closed out and lessons learnt are communicated appropriately within the organization and to Contractors.

Senior Project Engineer

Location: Port Macquarie

Branche: Infrastructure

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 2 years

Lead and support a small team of engineers to deliver the project according to quality, safety, environmental, and budget requirements Monitor project progress and construction performance against plans and contracts Review and manage contractor communications, claims, variations, and extensions of time Ensure adherence to contract specifications, approvals, and legislative requirements Assist with risk and issues management and participate in project audits and quality reviews Maintain effective document control and reporting systems Provide technical advice on construction methods, traffic control, work programs, and compliance Collaborate with project management and stakeholders to ensure clear communication and problem resolution

Technical Lead Structural Engineer

Location: Melbourne

Branche: Renewable Energy

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 4 years

The Technical Lead Structural Engineer at our client plays a key role in guiding and supporting structural engineering efforts across their renewable energy and high-voltage (HV) substation portfolio. This position requires a technically proficient and experienced professional capable of leading the design, development, and delivery of utility-scale solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and HV infrastructure projects. Duties and Responsibilities Take the lead in structural design for renewable energy systems and HV power facilities, covering elements such as foundations, steel and concrete structures, platforms, enclosures, and balance-of-plant components. Prepare and review engineering calculations, specifications, design drawings, and construction documentation in accordance with industry codes and Australian standards. Conduct structural analysis under both static and dynamic load conditions, including wind and seismic loads. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to both senior and junior engineering staff and design professionals. When needed, carry out site inspections, structural evaluations, and construction reviews to ensure alignment with design specifications and safety standards, or to develop practical on-site solutions. Collaborate closely with civil, electrical, and geotechnical teams for integrated project delivery of renewable energy and HV substation developments. Offer support to the project delivery team throughout the construction phase. Engage with regulatory bodies, third-party reviewers, and independent engineers to ensure project compliance and secure necessary approvals. Lead internal and external value engineering and constructability reviews to enhance design efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining compliance with relevant codes and standards. Participate in regular design reviews for both renewable and HV power projects to assess progress, mitigate risks, and ensure design integrity is upheld. Identify and develop tailored design solutions for various projects and bids in line with contractual requirements. Ensure all deliverables are completed within agreed timelines. Provide technical support to Design Managers in the delivery of engineering documentation. Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems. Assist in the enhancement of project schedules, including defining tasks, durations, sequencing, and interdependencies. Develop accurate and detailed scopes of work outlining key design deliverables for design and construct (D&C) contracts. Review and approve outputs from subconsultants, including technical reports, design calculations, and drawings. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering (Master's degree preferred). Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), or currently working toward accreditation. At least 12 years of experience in structural engineering, with a minimum of 7 years in renewable energy and HV infrastructure projects. Demonstrated expertise in structural design for solar PV systems (fixed-tilt and/or tracker), battery storage systems, and HV substations. Skilled in using structural design software and AutoCAD. Thorough understanding of structural design standards and renewable energy-specific codes. Strong communication skills and experience in project leadership roles. Comfortable working both independently and as part of multidisciplinary project teams. Desirable Hands-on experience with renewable energy (Solar & BESS) and HV infrastructure design, construction, or implementation. Advanced proficiency in structural analysis and design tools. Solid understanding of geotechnical principles and soil-structure interaction. Familiarity with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) project environments. Competencies Robust technical expertise. Effective leadership and team coordination abilities. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal. High attention to detail with a focus on quality and accuracy. Adaptable and responsive to changing project needs and industry trends. Strong organizational skills and capable of managing multiple priorities.

Water Design Engineer

Location: Perth

Branche: Mining

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 0 years

Conduct hydraulic modelling of pipelines, borefields, pump stations, ponds, tanks, and related infrastructure. Prepare and compile work packages, including construction drawings, quantity estimates, scopes of work, and stakeholder liaison. Facilitate design reviews, including field inspections and compliance with basis-of-design criteria. Develop engineering deliverables such as pipeline schematics, general arrangements, P&IDs, and equipment selection. Contribute to capital estimates and material take-offs (MTOs). Coordinate operational readiness requirements for projects. Monitor design schedules, escalating risks where necessary. Provide construction support through responding to technical queries and updating design documentation. Produce equipment datasheets and evaluate vendor proposals for budget and technical compliance. Ensure designs meet statutory, regulatory, and procedural requirements. Maintain clear and timely communication on design progress, risks, and changes. Collaborate effectively with other engineering disciplines.

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Common civil engineer responsibilities 

A civil engineer is responsible for performing a range of critical engineering tasks related to infrastructure. Responsibilities may include:

  • Designing and supervising the construction of roads, bridges, buildings, airports, and other types of infrastructure;

  • Analyzing reports from surveys, maps, and other data sources to plan projects well;

  • Determining the estimated costs of materials, labor, and equipment required for construction projects;

  • Ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget;

  • Inspecting construction sites to monitor progress and ensure compliance with building and safety codes;

  • Collaborating with architects, construction managers, and other professionals to ensure that projects are completed to specifications;

  • Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans and blueprints;

  • Testing and evaluating materials used in construction projects;

  • Developing and implementing quality control procedures to ensure that projects meet industry standards;

  • Mentoring civil engineering colleagues who are keen to develop their engineering knowledge;

  • Traveling to construction sites to guide and observe building.

Qualifications for civil engineers 

Civil engineers should have at least a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. In some cases, a Master's degree or higher may be required for more advanced positions, particularly in research or academia. In addition to a degree, civil engineers need to be licensed in order to practice. Licensing requirements vary by country, but typically involve passing an exam and meeting other criteria, such as having a certain amount of work experience.

Additional supporting skills and experience include:

  • 2-5+ years of civil engineering experience;

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;

  • Strong math skills, including proficiency in calculus, trigonometry, and statistics;

  • Proficiency in using diverse computer software, including the latest design, modeling, and calculation software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Matlab/LabView, or similar;

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills;

  • Attention to detail and ability to work with precision;

  • Understanding of and adherence to safety and environmental regulations;

  • Ability to work in a team and collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and construction managers;

  • Familiarity with project management principles and software;

  • Willingness to continually learn and stay up-to-date on new technologies and industry developments.