When you think of the careers essential to our daily lives, you probably list jobs like healthcare providers, teachers, and military workers. However, a lesser-known and just as crucial profession is engineering, particularly in the civil branch of this industry.
Civil engineers — often confused with structural engineers, as discussed in this article by ZP Architects — use scientific knowledge to design structures that form the foundation of our society.
Although the profession’s label began in the 18th century, archaeological evidence shows that the ideas behind civil engineering have been used for millennia. A civil engineer’s role requires individuals to devise ideas to construct and maintain private and public structures safely and efficiently.
It sounds straightforward, but a day in the life of a civil engineer is anything but simple. Here, we’ll dig into the details and explain what goes on behind the scenes as these professionals build the essentials to help us thrive in our towns and cities.
Building Our Societies
Civil engineers can’t take their roles lightly. To achieve this designation, they need a bachelor’s degree in their profession, which consists of substantial work in complex subjects like physics, engineering, construction, and math. This educational path is challenging, and through the journey to their degree, students are reminded of the dangers of mistakes in their construction designs.
Building the infrastructure that runs our societies requires training and licensing that shows the engineer can connect everything from roadways to pipelines. The job may include designing dams to control water flow, adding waste management systems to the finished product, and constructing buildings that will hold thousands of people on any given day.
The Getting Started Behind-the-Scenes Details of This Job
Does this mean civil engineers sit at their desks and develop plans on the computer all day? Not at all. Although that is a core part of the job, there’s much more that goes on in this profession’s daily life.
Beginning a new project starts with in-depth meetings with project managers and clients to determine the overall goals and short and long-term targets.
Once this is completed, the engineer must determine whether these goals and deadlines are feasible by analyzing maps, permits, budgets, and other aspects of the project. It’s their job to prepare the reports to present to the managers and clients to show their final decision as to feasibility or explain why certain things may need to be adjusted.
Moving Forward With the Project
After the go-ahead is agreed upon, the civil engineer applies to the local, state, and federal permit departments for all necessary permits to carry out the job. For these applications to be approved, the engineer must include all relevant paperwork, including the plans regarding any existing infrastructure. If anything on the site must be repaired or removed, a new set of permits is drawn.
Additionally, all plans must meet current zoning laws and regulations. However, because civil engineers are responsible for structures that should last hundreds of years, they also need to consider potential changes in these laws and regulations and adjust for them when possible.
After all applicable permits are approved, the first steps in breaking ground on the project can begin.
Teamwork and Leadership
While it takes a civil engineer a long time to work their way up to management, they must have teamwork and leadership skills at every stage of their career. In this role, engineers work with others in the field, clients, board members, project managers, government employees, and contractors and laborers.
Working together amicably and efficiently ensures a smoother overall project and minimizes the chance of mistakes due to rushing or overlooked details. Not everyone has natural soft skills in these areas, but a civil engineer recognizes the need quickly and develop them throughout their time on the job.
Is the Role of a Civil Engineer Right For You?
Does the behind-the-scenes work of this profession sound intriguing to you? Civil engineers have significant responsibility, but the reward of a finished structure that stands the test of time is unparalleled.
If you’re considering this profession for your future, there are various ways you can help society while working in an area you’re passionate about. Civil engineers are integral to industries such as:
- Transportation
- Aviation
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Oil and gas refineries
- Water management
Jobs in this profession are found in the private sector or in the government at the local, state, and federal levels. Your salary depends on factors such as your experience, work location, and who employs you.
Make a Living Doing What You Love
From environmental engineers to surveyors, there’s a role for you at any level in civil engineering that you enjoy. You can help improve the environment for future generations, expand small towns so they have clean water and waste management facilities, or spend your day outside surveying land. Get to know your passion, and follow your degree to the sector of civil engineering that lets you work with what you love.
