Hiring civil engineers

Your guide to finding and hiring the right person for your organization

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Job description

How to write a civil engineer job description

To attract highly qualified civil engineers, let them know how their contributions will impact your company’s growth and success. Also be clear about the organization’s values and culture so you can find the right match.

Carefully review the lists of responsibilities and qualifications to ensure that they accurately reflect expectations for the civil engineer role. Avoid using technical and industry jargon when possible, focusing instead on concise and direct language.

Civil engineer job description template

This sample job post will introduce your organization’s culture and values, while helping potential candidates understand how they’ll contribute from Day 1.

Sample civil engineer job description

Our firm is a leading developer of infrastructure projects. We utilize state-of-the art design systems to deliver projects on budget and on time, every time. We’re looking for an experienced civil engineer to help us develop meticulous solutions that serve the public. The ideal candidate will have a natural desire to develop infrastructure, and a drive to engage in dynamic projects that improve how the world moves, works, and lives.

Objectives of this role

Oversee the review and permitting processes for national and local agencies
Apply technical knowledge in the development of feasibility analyses for project specifications, ensuring that all stakeholder expectations are met
Take responsibility for alignments and profiles, geometrics, drainage, plan development, and construction estimates
Design and manage both small-scale and large-scale projects with an eye on safety, scheduling, and budget
Track project progress, compiling technical reports, specifications, and calculations for internal and external parties
Develop and maintain current project databases, and create secondary systems when necessary

Responsibilities

Prepare plans, profiles, details, and specifications for all aspects of roadways, storm drainage, erosion and sediment control, sanitary sewers, water, and utilities
Manage project documentation, including but not limited to contracts, development plans, construction specifications, design calculations, and schedules
Compile drainage/detention reports, SWPPP checklists, and other technical reports and documents for agency submittals
Oversee projects to ensure that organizational standards and safety guidelines are being upheld, and provide research and technical information to relevant management teams and project representatives
Train and guide managers and operators to ensure that project specifications are being met, and maintain direct communication with clients and other project stakeholders
Track project budgets by analyzing all related costs, including labor and materials

Required skills and qualifications

Professional experience in civil engineering
Experience in site development
Excellent skills with design software (AutoCAD or similar)
Strong drafting abilities, with focus on site layout and utility design
Professional certification, such as EIT

Preferred skills and qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in civil engineering
Proficiency in database design
Experience with Civil 3D, and general familiarity with all Autodesk software
Working knowledge of current compliance regulations, with eye on future legal changes
PE licensure
Project management experience, with emphasis on direct supervision