What would my working day look like?Some of the tasks you may complete are:

Investigating sites to determine the one most suitable for a proposed project

Researching and advising clients on the best method of engineering for a project

Produce detailed designs and documentation for the planning and construction of civil engineering projects

Prepare calculations required for the design of a project and supervise drafting of plans

Work with other engineers, architects and local government authorities as required

Test and determine the foundations of a site and decide if it is suitable for construction

Assess present and future traffic flow for the project and design physical aspects to meet these growing needs.

Work with a client to provide advice on civil engineering projects

Use computer software to produce plans and other documentation for a project

Organise materials, machinery, equipment and labour for a project

Conduct feasibility studies

Plan and conduct maintenance work on civil engineering projects

I might enjoy this job if: I like studying Design and Technology, Geography, Maths, Science, Engineering, Chemistry and Physics

I prefer a mixture of working indoors and outdoors Enjoy working with others and can work unsupervised I have good attention to detail I enjoy practical and creative work I handle stress and stressful situations with a level head and can meet deadlines

Working conditions and hoursYou may work in an office or onsite. You may be required to work long hours to meet deadlines and with minimal supervision. As the Civil Engineer working on a project you will work with a variety of professionals from urban and regional planners to general construction workers. When onsite you will mostly be working outdoors in all types of weather conditions. You will generally work full time (generally 46 hours per week).

How do I become a Civil Engineer?To become a qualified Civil Engineer, you will need to complete Year 12 to enable entry into a degree program in Engineering, majoring in civil engineering. Contact individual University Engineering schools to check if they have any pre-requisites before selecting your Year 11 subjects and before applying to a program. Your school careers advisor can help you with information on how to enrol at university.

Future pathways and opportunitiesCivil Engineers are employed by large or boutique engineering firms, Government agencies, contractors and consultants. Consulting and Contracting Engineers often travel for their work – both interstate and overseas. You may also like to set up your own consulting firm. Most civil engineering graduates also complete post graduate studies to specialise in a specific area of civil engineering which can take up to two years full-time to complete.

Civil Engineer Career Profile:

cfc@ctf.wa.gov.au Information was sourced from Department of Education, Skills and Employment Job Outlook website. The information provided is only to be used as a guide

With a growing population in Western Australia, there is a need for more and more civil infrastructure. There will be a need for qualified Civil Engineers to work on the design, planning and management of large construction projects such as airports.

Civil Engineers plan, design, construct, operate and maintain roads, bridges, dams, water supply schemes, sewerage systems, transportation, harbours, dockyard facilities, airports, railways, factories and large buildings.

Also known as: Civil Engineering professionalSpecialisations include: Structural Engineer, Materials and Testing Engineer, Highway Engineer, Airport Engineer, Geotechnical / Soil Engineer, Water Resources Engineer and Harbour Engineer.

What skills and personal qualities do I need?

Have good oral and written communication skills

Able to identify, analyse and solve problems

A careful, thorough and accurate approach to work

Be creative

Be able to work as part of a team and on my own unsupervised

Be safety conscious and have a mature responsible approach to my work and work colleagues

Have good maths and technology skills

Average Pay

$1,962 per week

depending on your qualifications and experience.(Source: Job Outlook)

Up to

Job Outlook – www.joboutlook.gov.au

Engineers Australia – www.engineersaustralia.org.au/

Next StepsFurther information can be found at:

Jobs and Skills WA – www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au

The Good Universities Guide – www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au