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Career Details : Civil Engineers

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Description

Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, water and sewage systems, and waste disposal units. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, ocean, and geotechnical engineers.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Analyzes survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, and other topographical or geologic data to plan projects.
  • Prepares or presents public reports, such as bid proposals, deeds, environmental impact statements, and property and right-of-way descriptions.
  • Provides technical advice regarding design, construction, or program modifications and structural repairs to industrial and managerial personnel.
  • Tests soils and materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
  • Conducts studies of traffic patterns or environmental conditions to identify engineering problems and assess the potential impact of projects.
  • Inspects project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
  • Plans and designs transportation or hydraulic systems and structures, following construction and government standards, using design software and drawing tools.
  • Estimates quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.
  • Directs construction, operations, and maintenance activities at project site.
  • Directs or participates in surveying to lay out installations and establish reference points, grades, and elevations to guide construction.
  • Computes load and grade requirements, water flow rates, and material stress factors to determine design specifications.

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    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Frustrating Circumstances
    • Responsibility for Outcomes and Results

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