About This Career

Applies theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster Design/Pre-Construction pathway.

A person in this career:

• Calculates dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
• Reads and reviews project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
• Drafts detailed dimensional drawings and designs layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Confers with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
• Analyzes proposed site factors and designs maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
• Prepares reports and documents project activities and data.
• Reports maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiates changes to resolve system conflicts.
• Inspects project site and evaluates contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensures conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
• Conducts materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
• Develops plans and estimates costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel