Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Civil Engineer.
Job Title – Civil Engineer
Description
A Civil
Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, maintenance and
management of construction projects. These projects are concerned with the
construction of multi-storey buildings, roads, bridges, harbours, airports,
sport stadiums and water and sewage purification plants.
Typical Job Activities
Constant recreation, improvement and conservation
of the environment
Establishment of the facilities required for the effective functioning of the
community
Designs major structures and monitors the construction process
Supervises surveyors, draughtsmen, technicians and other workers
Carries out research, teach at Technikons and Universities
Serves as a consultant for engineering, construction or architectural firms
Civil engineering is a very broad field and the
engineer usually specialises in one of the following:
Geotechnical work
Transportation
Marine environment
Municipal services
Construction work
Structural design
Hydraulic engineering
Project management
Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the engineering and construction industry here.
Related Occupations
Aeronautical engineer
Aeronautical engineering technician
Architectural technologist
Civil engineering technician
Civil engineering technologist
Industrial engineer
Quantity surveyor
Town and regional planner
Educational Requirement
Senior Certificate with matric exemption
4-7 years University / Technikon studies
Compulsory subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Computer Studies, Geography and Technical
Drawing
What natural skills and/or aptitudes do
I need for this occupation?
Have an aptitude for science and mathematics
Be able to visualise objects three dimensionally
Be creative and have initiative
Be accurate and persistent
Be able to make decisions
Show good judgement
Be able to work well with others
Express ideas clearly
Have good health and stamina.
Improve your engineering and construction skills and
knowledge by studying further - browse our online learning partners' courses here.
Employment Opportunities
Moderate
Market Competitiveness
Low
Income Potential
High
Self-Employment Options
High – exceptionally
high
International Employment Market
High
Possible Employers
Government - national, provincial, local councils
and related organisations like universities, semi-government, etc.
Big private companies
Medium or small Companies
Own small business: Entrepreneurial opportunities in this field
Self-employed: Contractor, consultant, own practice, freelance
Browse
companies hiring now.
Relevant Contact Details
The Director, SA Society for Professional Engineers (SPE)
http://www.professionalengineers.biz
The Director, Engineering Council of SA (ECSA)
www.ecsa.co.za
SA Institute for Civil Engineers
http://saice.org.za
The SA Association of Consulting Engineers, The Executive Director SAACE
www.saace.co.za
Career Progress and Path
Further studies in the specific career
field
Further studies in related fields
Experience in specific field
Work performance
Do presentations, seminars, publish articles, etc.
General management studies
Possible Career Paths
Specialist career in
the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Management positions in related fields
General business management
Executive functions
Consultant/ contractor/ own practice/ freelance
Own business
Employment Stability
Moderate – very stable
Reasons to consider this career
The need is determined by new technology
The job is ideal for becoming a general manager
I can design things
I can work with technology
I can create new things
I’ll be able to learn new things on an ongoing basis
I can study for a number of years and face intellectual challenges
I am very interested in a specific subject or field
I can progress in the business world