Civil Engineers

Job Description: Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

Civil Engineers spend a lot of their time Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others. They are naturally good at Oral Comprehension, Oral Expression, Deductive Reasoning, and Problem Sensitivity. Civil Engineers are typically characterized as being Realistic and Investigative. They are usually very knowledgable about Engineering and Technology, Design, and Building and Construction and are skilled at Reading Comprehension and Mathematics.

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Work Activities

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  
Thinking Creatively
  
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  
Processing Information
  
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
  
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  
Analyzing Data or Information
  
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
  
Scheduling Work and Activities
  
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  
Getting Information
  
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  
Developing and Building Teams
  
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
  
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  
Coaching and Developing Others
  
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  
Interacting With Computers
  
Documenting/Recording Information
  
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
  
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  
Developing Objectives and Strategies
  
Staffing Organizational Units
  
Training and Teaching Others
  
Performing Administrative Activities
  
Selling or Influencing Others
  
Controlling Machines and Processes
  
Handling and Moving Objects
  
Performing General Physical Activities
  
Assisting and Caring for Others
  
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  
Oral Expression
  
Deductive Reasoning
  
Problem Sensitivity
  
Mathematical Reasoning
  
Written Comprehension
  
Category Flexibility
  
Inductive Reasoning
  
Number Facility
  
Near Vision
  
Visualization
  
Originality
  
Flexibility of Closure
  
Information Ordering
  
Written Expression
  
Fluency of Ideas
  
Far Vision
  
Perceptual Speed
  
Speed of Closure
  
Speech Clarity
  
Speech Recognition
  
Selective Attention
  
Visual Color Discrimination
  
Memorization
  
Auditory Attention
  
Time Sharing
  
Depth Perception
  
Hearing Sensitivity
  
Finger Dexterity
  
Control Precision
  
Spatial Orientation
  
Multilimb Coordination
  

Interests

Realistic
  
Investigative
  
Conventional
  
Artistic
  
Enterprising
  
Social
  

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  
Design
  
Building and Construction
  
Mathematics
  
Physics
  
Customer and Personal Service
  
English Language
  
Transportation
  
Public Safety and Security
  
Administration and Management
  
Computers and Electronics
  
Chemistry
  
Law and Government
  
Geography
  
Clerical
  
Education and Training
  
Personnel and Human Resources
  
Sales and Marketing
  
Mechanical
  
Biology
  
Economics and Accounting
  
Psychology
  
Production and Processing
  
Communications and Media
  
Telecommunications
  
History and Archeology
  
Foreign Language
  
Sociology and Anthropology
  

Wages

California
$92,130  
 
Louisiana
$87,980  
 
Alaska
$85,060  
 
New Jersey
$84,390  
 
Nevada
$82,770  
 
New Mexico
$81,890  
 
Rhode Island
$81,660  
 
Arizona
$79,870  
 
Texas
$79,460  
 
Maryland
$79,230  
 
Connecticut
$78,390  
 
Massachusetts
$78,370  
 
Colorado
$77,710  
 
New York
$77,470  
 
Virginia
$76,770  
 
Washington
$76,750  
 
Minnesota
$75,770  
 
Florida
$75,750  
 
Nebraska
$75,100  
 
Tennessee
$74,990  
 
Illinois
$74,830  
 
North Carolina
$74,630  
 
Iowa
$73,620  
 
District of Columbia
$73,560  
 
Oklahoma
$73,530  
 
Utah
$73,390  
 
Oregon
$72,920  
 
Hawaii
$72,630  
 
South Carolina
$72,590  
 
Michigan
$72,360  
 
Delaware
$71,870  
 
Pennsylvania
$71,620  
 
New Hampshire
$71,470  
 
Missouri
$71,350  
 
Mississippi
$71,280  
 
Ohio
$70,960  
 
Idaho
$70,810  
 
Kansas
$70,010  
 
Alabama
$69,320  
 
Kentucky
$68,820  
 
Arkansas
$68,170  
 
Maine
$67,970  
 
Wisconsin
$67,830  
 
Wyoming
$67,660  
 
Georgia
$67,610  
 
West Virginia
$66,510  
 
Indiana
$66,470  
 
North Dakota
$66,300  
 
Vermont
$65,570  
 
South Dakota
$62,650  
 
Montana
$62,000  
 
Guam
$57,110  
 
Puerto Rico
$50,230  
 

Skills

Reading Comprehension
  
Mathematics
  
Operations Analysis
  
Critical Thinking
  
Monitoring
  
Active Learning
  
Complex Problem Solving
  
Judgment and Decision Making
  
Active Listening
  
Speaking
  
Systems Evaluation
  
Systems Analysis
  
Writing
  
Science
  
Coordination
  
Time Management
  
Management of Personnel Resources
  
Quality Control Analysis
  
Learning Strategies
  
Management of Financial Resources
  
Social Perceptiveness
  
Instructing
  
Management of Material Resources
  
Persuasion
  
Negotiation
  
Service Orientation
  
Operation Monitoring
  
Programming
  
Technology Design
  
Troubleshooting
  
Operation and Control
  
Equipment Selection
  

Work Values

Independence
  
Working Conditions
  
Achievement
  
Recognition
  
Support
  
Relationships
  

Work Styles

Analytical Thinking
  
Attention to Detail
  
Integrity
  
Dependability
  
Initiative
  
Achievement/Effort
  
Persistence
  
Adaptability/Flexibility
  
Stress Tolerance
  
Leadership
  
Cooperation
  
Innovation
  
Self Control
  
Concern for Others
  
Independence
  
Social Orientation
  

Related University Degree Programs

Work Context

Telephone
  
Electronic Mail
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  
Letters and Memos
  
Contact With Others
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Time Pressure
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Consequence of Error
  
Level of Competition
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Physical Proximity
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Duration of Typical Work Week
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Public Speaking
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Degree of Automation
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Work Schedules
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-A lot of freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-About half the time-

Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  

-Completely automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Constant contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others about half the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others most of the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Continually or almost continually-

Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  

-Every day-

Telephone
  
Electronic Mail
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Letters and Memos
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Extremely important-

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Fairly important-

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Fairly serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-High responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Highly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Highly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-

Physical Proximity
  

-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Important-

Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  

-Important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-

Work Schedules
  

-Less than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-Less than half the time-

Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Sitting
  

-Limited freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-Limited responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Minor results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderate responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Moderate results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderately automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Moderately close (at arm's length)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Moderately competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-More than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-More than half the time-

Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  

-Never-

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Public Speaking
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Telephone
  
Time Pressure
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Letters and Memos
  

-No contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-No freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-No responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-No results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Not at all automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Not at all competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Not important at all-

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Not serious at all-

Consequence of Error
  

-Occasional contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Once a month or more but not every week-

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Time Pressure
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Public Speaking
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Letters and Memos
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to High Places
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  

-Once a week or more but not every day-

Letters and Memos
  
Time Pressure
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Telephone
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Electronic Mail
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Public Speaking
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  

-Once a year or more but not every month-

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Public Speaking
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Time Pressure
  
Electronic Mail
  
Letters and Memos
  
Telephone
  

-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-

Work Schedules
  

-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-

Work Schedules
  

-Serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Slightly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Slightly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Some freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very close (near touching)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Very high responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Very important-

Work With Work Group or Team
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Very little freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error
  

Task Ratings

Education Training Experience

-On-Site or In-Plant Training-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years
  
Over 10 years
  

-On-the-Job Training-

None or short demonstration
  
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years
  
Over 10 years
  

-Related Work Experience-

None
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
  
Over 10 years
  

-Required Level of Education-

Bachelor's Degree
  
Master's Degree
  
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession