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Civil Engineer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 15999610civil engineer33.38civil engineering6.94engineer6.74civil engineering internship4.58construction engineer3.5112875813392732000.0094839.05189000.00YEARLY1767159222025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Civil Engineer, or Licensed Civil Engineer, is responsible for overseeing the design and construction of roads, bridges, waterways, sewage treatment plants and other types of infrastructure. Their duties include using software programs to design structural blueprints, adhering to construction laws and environmental constraints and visiting construction sites to monitor the building process.

Civil Engineer duties and responsibilities

The Civil Engineer is responsible for designing and supervising infrastructure projects. They ensure each project is feasible by analyzing local and environmental impacts and making sure that they can be completed on time within the budget restrictions. Other duties and responsibilities may include:

  • Analyzing survey reports, long-range plans, maps and other data to design new projects
  • Considering budget, regulations and environmental hazards during risk-analysis stage
  • Preparing material, equipment and labor cost estimates and confirming costs are within the budget
  • Forecasting design and construction timeline
  • Completing and submitting all permit applications to the appropriate agencies and ensuring projects are compliant throughout the design and construction stages
  • Overseeing soil testing to establish soil strength and building feasibility
  • Using design software to create project drawings and renderings
  • Managing repair and maintenance of infrastructure projects

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Civil Engineer Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Job Description Best Practices
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What does a Civil Engineer do?

Civil Engineers typically work for construction companies on a contractual basis or for government agencies to complete public works projects. They work closely with Construction Workers and other Civil Engineers to overcome construction challenges and ensure the quality of their projects. Their job is to obtain construction permits and determine the proper budget and personnel needed to complete a project. They may also need to research the local environment and conduct soil tests to choose suitable construction materials.

Civil Engineer skills and qualifications

Civil Engineers must be skilled in construction and design. The specific area of expertise required will depend on if the project is for a road, building, bridge or another type of infrastructure. Some of their most important skills and qualifications include:

  • Professional Engineering (PE) license
  • Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • Advanced calculus and trigonometry skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management abilities
  • Demonstrated leadership and teamwork capabilities
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Advanced decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to multitask effectively

Civil Engineer salary expectations

A Civil Engineer makes an average of $84,237 per year in the United States. Salaries typically depend on the candidate’s years of relevant experience, level of education and geographical location.

Civil Engineer salary expectations

2025-10-0132000.0094839.05189000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 94839.05 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 32000.00 - 189000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Civil Engineer education and training requirements

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is generally required for all Civil Engineers. Training and certification requirements for a Civil Engineer will vary by state, but a Professional Engineering (PE) license is generally required for higher-level positions. The PE license allows the Engineer to oversee other Engineers and approve design plans or projects. Some employers may also prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree in civil engineering for higher-level or specialized positions.

15999610civil engineer33.38civil engineering6.94engineer6.74civil engineering internship4.58construction engineer3.5112875813392732000.0094839.05189000.00YEARLY1767159222025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Civil Engineer experience requirements

The experience required for Civil Engineers varies depending on the specific projects they’re required to manage. For companies seeking an entry-level Engineer, they may not require prior professional experience. However, a Team Leader or Designer generally requires at least 10 years of experience. For mid-level Civil Engineering roles, organizations may look for candidates with 2-5 years of experience, such as experience working as a Junior Civil Engineer or Civil Engineering Intern.

Job description samples for similar positions

This guide will get you started on your Civil Engineer job description. If you need some more ideas, take a look at a job description for a similar position:

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Frequently asked questions about Civil Engineers

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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