Civil engineer - overview

What does a civil engineer do?

A role in civil engineering means you could work on a variety of construction projects. Your skills and services will be needed by businesses that are employed to plan, manage and oversee building works. You could end up working on the construction of anything from roads to railways or sports stadiums to space stations.

You’ll work closely with others, such as the design and construction teams, to plan and oversee building projects from start to finish. Your main responsibility will be to make sure the project you’re working on is designed and completed safely and effectively. It can be an incredibly rewarding job as it comes with responsibility and you get to see the fruits of your labour first hand.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

• Organising work schedules of team members and other colleagues
• Monitoring performance and efficiency
• Inspecting construction sites
• Designing structures, such as roads, railways, bridges, airports, etc.
• Ordering materials and recording the cost and quantity used
• Undertaking research on building sites
• Supervising the building of structures
• Drawing up construction plans
• Liaising with architects and subcontractors
• Checking the project follows legal and health and safety regulations

FAQs

How much can you earn as a civil engineer?

The average salary for a civil engineer in the UK is £41,080. Graduates start at around £28,500.

Does a civil engineer role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Civil engineers spend a lot of time on the sites they work on, so travel in the role is common and frequent. You can also expect to travel to meet suppliers and clients. Overseas travel is a possibility but will only be necessary if working on a project abroad.

Can you work from home as a civil engineer?

There may be some opportunities to work from home as a civil engineer but mainly for the more admin-related parts of the job.