civil engineer.

Some of the tasks of a civil engineer include:

• assessing construction sites: you survey construction sites to determine the feasibility of building projects. That includes obtaining soil samples at different depths to assess strength and compressibility. You also consider a project's impact on the surrounding environment. From the feasibility study, you can plan accordingly to ensure the structure is stable and durable.
• planning construction and structures: civil engineers study architectural and engineering drawings and plan the construction process. You determine the construction methods, interpret the plans and drawings to avoid mistakes and choose the best materials for the project. You also create a project plan to ensure a systematic process and smooth workflow.
• assessing budgets: as a civil engineer, you use technical drawings and architectural plans to determine a project's budget. For instance, you estimate equipment and labour costs based on the technical drawings. You also create detailed cost plans and present the proposals to stakeholders for approval. If the client provides a fixed budget for a project, you ensure the construction work doesn't exceed the budget.
• ensuring compliance with relevant regulations: as a civil engineer, you work on-site during construction to oversee the project. You ensure compliance with the relevant guidelines and rules. For instance, you ensure the project doesn't break any environmental regulations. If the initial design plans change, your job is to ascertain that the new plans comply with quality standards.
• supervising construction: civil engineers supervise the construction of roads, bridges and buildings. You ensure the construction process follows the stipulated timeline and the designs. You also conduct quality checks during construction.
• liaising with clients: as a civil engineer, you communicate with stakeholders during various project phases. You recommend design changes and present budget proposals to clients.

You work on infrastructure and construction projects in the public and private sectors as a civil engineer.  Some civil engineers also work for consulting companies, civil engineering contractors and mining corporations. You spend time designing building and structural plans in an office. During the construction stage, you work outdoors to oversee the projects. You work in all weather conditions outdoors, exposed to dust and noise. Civil engineers also travel to different locations depending on project requirements. During the planning phase, civil engineers can work from home.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include project managers, project coordinators, project engineers, architects and quantity surveyors. You might also be working close to mining managers and construction managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, industrial electricians, project engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, estimators and site managers.

Civil engineers work approximately 40 hours a week. When planning and designing construction projects, you work regular business hours. Sometimes, you work evenings or weekends to survey construction sites, meet clients or finish a plan before the deadline. Most civil engineers are employed in full-time roles. However, part-time and short-term contracts are available. Some civil engineers also provide private consultations with clients.

Civil engineering has a projected job growth rate of 15.2% in the next five years. That means you have numerous job opportunities to explore. Your career progression path is clearly defined depending on your industry. Most civil engineers become project managers or construction managers, while others specialise as cost planners or architects. With extensive experience, you can become a consultant or lecturer.

Finding your civil engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a civil engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

As a civil engineer, you design and plan construction structures and infrastructure projects like high-capacity roads, railways, cost-effective transport systems and tunnels. You also liaise with clients during construction to ensure the projects achieve the desired objectives.

To become a civil engineer, complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Before you practice, you require a licence and White Card to work on construction sites. You should complete a few years of industrial experience to acquire the licence.

In Australia, the remuneration packages of civil engineers depend on specialisation, industry and experience. The average pay of a civil engineer is $105,000 per year. Some civil engineers take home a remuneration package of as low as $90,000, while others earn over $110,000 based on their experience.

Civil engineering is a demanding profession requiring extensive building and construction knowledge. Aside from preparing the technical drawings for buildings and structures, you also oversee budgeting and construction. Some specialisations come with complex responsibilities. For instance, working in mining involves supervising the creation of tunnels for excavation and testing the stability of rocks and soil holding the mines in place.

Yes. Civil engineers make great architects since their role involves designing infrastructure and building structures. Civil engineers can design optimal buildings and infrastructures because they understand structure holistically. Civil engineers who become architects provide a synergy between aesthetics and structural efficiency. However, civil engineers require additional formal training to become architects.

Applying for a civil engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our civil engineer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.