CIVIL ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION
Civil Engineer job descriptions cover diverse industries, from environmental remediation to theme park infrastructure and deep space facilities.


Civil Engineer Job Description Template
1. About the Role
Across general civil and infrastructure consulting firms, a PE license is the credential that marks the professional threshold, and the path there runs directly through this role. The Civil Engineer carries primary ownership of design calculations, permit deliverables, and construction-phase documentation across site development, stormwater conveyance, and environmental compliance projects. Regulatory frameworks such as NPDES stormwater permits, OSHA HAZWOPER requirements, and state-level erosion and sediment control standards shape the technical floor for this work. Few roles in a consulting practice demand both field credibility and analytical depth in equal measure.
2. Position Summary
You will own the full design and compliance deliverable set for civil and environmental infrastructure projects, serving as the Civil Engineer who translates regulatory and site constraints into construction-ready documents and field-verified outcomes. Working within a multidisciplinary consulting team, you coordinate across environmental, structural, and transportation specialists while managing client communication, agency submittals, and construction oversight from early design through project closeout.
3. Why Join Us
Career Impact: Engineers who move from EIT to PE registration while managing permit submittals and agency coordination build a technical track record that commands respect across municipal, federal, and private-sector clients.
Business Impact: Clients rely on accurate hydrologic modeling, stormwater compliance documentation, and cost-reliable quantity estimates to keep capital projects on schedule and out of regulatory jeopardy, and this role produces those deliverables.
Growth Opportunity: Demonstrated ownership of solid waste facility design, hydraulic analysis, or remediation construction oversight opens paths to Senior Engineer and Project Manager roles in a sector where licensed talent remains consistently scarce.
4. Key Responsibilities
- Develop engineering design calculations, quantity take-offs, and cost estimates for site development, grading, stormwater, and utility infrastructure projects.
- Prepare environmental compliance documents including SWPPPs, erosion and sediment control plans, and permit applications for air, groundwater, and hazardous waste programs.
- Coordinate design deliverables across environmental, structural, transportation, and landscape disciplines to maintain schedule and technical consistency.
- Conduct field visits for site reconnaissance, environmental sampling, groundwater monitoring, and construction oversight, including quality assurance and quality control review.
- Review and check engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations prepared by project team members and outside consultants.
- Support construction-phase administration including subcontractor coordination, change management, and communication with regulatory agents and clients.
- Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for stormwater conveyance, retention and detention design, open-channel flow, and water balance applications.
- Compile and evaluate field and laboratory data to support technical memoranda, design reports, and regulatory submissions.
5. Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
- 2 or more years of civil or environmental engineering experience, with demonstrated exposure to design, permitting, or construction support on infrastructure or site development projects.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required; Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or actively pursued.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations governing stormwater, solid waste, and hazardous materials management.
- Proficiency in engineering design calculations, quantity estimation, and preparation of technical specifications and bid documents.
- Ability to perform field data collection including environmental sampling, construction observation, and geotechnical drilling support.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to produce organized technical reports and summarize data for non-technical audiences.
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record; ability and willingness to travel to project sites as required.
6. Preferred Qualifications
- 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification or MSHA certification relevant to field-intensive environmental project work.
- Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for stormwater applications including retention, detention, and open-channel flow analysis.
- Familiarity with GIS platforms for spatial data management and utility analysis in support of infrastructure asset work.
- Exposure to solid waste facility design, mine closure, or groundwater remediation projects within a consulting or regulatory context.
7. Success Metrics & Environment
- Permit submittal accuracy rate, measured by the frequency of agency revision requests per application cycle.
- Construction cost estimate variance, comparing approved budget to final contractor cost across managed project scopes.
- Field data collection completeness, tracked by the proportion of sampling events meeting chain-of-custody and reporting deadlines.
- Design calculation review cycle time, measuring elapsed days from draft submission to internal approval sign-off.
- EIT-to-PE progression timeline, reflecting structured advancement toward professional licensure within firm-defined milestones.
- Typical tools: CAD design (commonly AutoCAD, Civil 3D); hydrologic modeling (commonly HEC-HMS, SWMM); office productivity (commonly MS Excel, MS Word).
8. Compensation & Benefits (US Market Benchmark)
- Base Salary Range: $65,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience and licensure status
- Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 10% of base salary, project-dependent
- Equity: Not typically offered at this level in consulting; profit-sharing available at some firms
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer contributing 70% to 90% of premium
- PTO: 15 to 20 days annually plus standard federal holidays
- Common Perks: Licensure exam reimbursement, professional development allowance, mileage reimbursement, HAZWOPER training sponsorship
Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.
9. EEO & Legal
Background check completion, including verification of credentials and driving record, is a condition of employment for this position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Civil Engineer Job Description Examples
1. Civil Engineer (Steel & Concrete Structures)
The Civil Engineer delivers structural analysis and 3D modeling for industrial projects, conducting static calculations for steel and concrete systems and coordinating Revit models from early design through detailed execution phases. Reporting to the engineering team, the role shapes client and supplier interactions across worldwide partnerships to support the optimization of Thermal Battery system layouts.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct static calculations of steel structures and concrete foundations.
- Prepare and coordinate 3D models using Revit.
- Prepare basic design documents for specific projects based on identified civil risks and constraints.
- Ensure civil design information from early project phases is implemented in the detailed design phase.
- Manage calculations of civil quantities for the bill of quantities.
- Evaluate and verify structural engineering documentation from third parties.
- Support the engineering team with planning and alignment of technical aspects related to civil scope.
- Contribute to overall design and optimization of Thermal Battery system layouts and performance.
- Interact with clients, suppliers, and external companies, including worldwide partners.
Required Qualifications
- M.Sc. or higher in Civil Engineering or a related field, or equivalent documented experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in design and dimensioning of concrete and steel structures.
- Good understanding of industrial systems.
- Practical experience from execution and construction phases of projects.
- Experience with design codes EN 1990, EN 1992, and EN 1993.
- Proficiency in Revit is required.
- Strong analytical and structured approach with solid teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Proficiency in Norwegian or Scandinavian languages and English, written and oral.
2. Civil Engineer (Infrastructure & Utilities)
Embedded within a multidisciplinary engineering team, the Civil Engineer leads concept and detailed design across general infrastructure and utilities diversion projects, coordinating designs in compliance with project requirements and UK standards. Working closely with clients, stakeholders, and BIM teams, the role advances utilities management strategies and contributes coordinated models through all project phases.
Core Functions
- Direct a team developing concept and detailed designs for general infrastructure projects, including utilities diversion.
- Coordinate utilities design across civil engineering disciplines.
- Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and utility companies to develop utilities management and coordination strategies.
- Produce engineering design and details in accordance with project requirements.
- Prepare calculations and written reports.
- Develop coordinated models in collaboration with BIM teams.
- Check design calculations, drawings, and models.
- Prepare specifications for and supervise site surveys and appraisals of highways and infrastructure assets.
- Attend client meetings, progress meetings, and design review meetings on site.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Civil Engineering or similar, with Chartered or near-Chartered status or equivalent.
- Knowledge and experience in the infrastructure and utilities industry.
- Sound understanding of CDM Regulations and familiarity with UK standards or equivalent European codes.
- Awareness of NEC3/4 management processes and experience working within that framework.
- Experience using modelling software such as Civils 3D.
- Professional communication skills in IT, verbal, and written English.
- Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team with strong personal commitment to technical excellence.
- Full UK driving licence required.
3. Civil Engineer (Site & Transportation Design)
Reporting to professional engineers and project managers, the Civil Engineer shapes design development across civil, site, and transportation projects, using AutoCAD daily to prepare calculations, quantity take-offs, and engineering reports. Partnering with environmental, traffic, landscape, and structural disciplines, the role supports community engagement and delivers contributions across all phases from field visits to client and public meetings.
Primary Duties
- Use AutoCAD design software daily to support the design development process.
- Prepare design calculations and quantity take-offs for construction cost estimates.
- Perform project research and analyze and present data in tabular or graphic format.
- Contribute to engineering reports and technical studies.
- Conduct field visits during the design development process.
- Coordinate with environmental, traffic, landscape, and structural disciplines.
- Attend client, agency, and public meetings across different project phases.
- Engage effectively with communities in the project area.
Skills & Qualifications
- EIT certification preferred, with 2 years of experience required.
- Basic understanding of civil, site, and transportation design concepts.
- Basic understanding of AutoCAD and relevant design software.
- Working knowledge of calculations performed by the software.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.
- Proactive attitude with attention to detail, strong time management, and organizational skills.
4. Civil Engineer II (Capital Projects & Geotechnical)
Sitting at the intersection of project management and technical engineering, the Civil Engineer II owns the review and development of analyses and designs across civil, geotechnical, structural, and hydrologic disciplines for small-to-medium capital projects. Operating across vendor contract administration, site strategic planning, and Authorization for Expenditure evaluation, the role ensures engineering recommendations are delivered with safety compliance and cross-functional collaboration.
Duties
- Review analyses and designs and develop appropriate recommendations for assigned engineering projects.
- Serve as Project Manager or Technical Advisor on small-to-medium projects.
- Evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services.
- Collaborate in site strategic planning and budgeting for designated engineering areas.
- Assist in the development and evaluation of Authorization for Expenditure for capital funding.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited program, with 3 years of experience, or Master's degree with 2 years of experience.
- Certified Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or equivalent.
- Knowledge in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, or Hydrologic Engineering principles and practices.
- Knowledge of applicable safety practices, occupational hazard awareness, and safety standards.
- Proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, and RISA 3D.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills in English with a diversely educated audience.
- Self-motivated, client-service-oriented, and able to prioritize tasks and work under pressure.
5. Civil Engineer (Environmental Remediation)
A key member of a multidisciplinary environmental team, the Civil Engineer builds hands-on experience across remediation design, stormwater modeling, and environmental compliance work spanning the Mid-Atlantic region and global locations. Collaborating across engineering, field, and regulatory functions, the role supports groundwater remediation, soil vapor extraction, and sub-slab depressurization systems while communicating with subcontractors, regulatory agents, and clients throughout design and field activities.
Functions
- Assist in engineering design for remediation projects including process and civil remediation tasks such as calculations, research, quantity and cost estimation, design drawings, and technical specifications.
- Assist in construction-phase support including on-site inspection, construction oversight, and quality control and quality assurance review.
- Perform modeling and calculations for stormwater, soil solidification, vapor and water head loss, and treatability.
- Perform groundwater, soil, air, and vapor sampling at project sites.
- Monitor, operate, and maintain groundwater remediation, soil vapor extraction, and sub-slab depressurization systems.
- Conduct fieldwork including remedial pilot tests and quality assurance activities.
- Prepare environmental compliance plans and permits for air quality, hazardous waste, stormwater, groundwater, and wastewater.
- Communicate with subcontractors, regulatory agents, and clients during design and field activities.
Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering, with a minimum 3.0 GPA and up to 2 years of relevant experience.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) preferred, with 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification a plus.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil3D, ArcGIS, and MS Office Suite including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and report-writing skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments.
- Detail-oriented, mechanically apt, and capable of independent work with minimal supervision.
- Valid driver's license with a good driving record required.
- Willingness to travel and participate in field assignments.
6. Civil Engineer (Naval Facility Structural Design)
Delivering structural safety and design excellence for Naval Shore Facilities depends on the Civil Engineer, who leads detailed structural analysis, calculations, and design across in-house and A/E design-build projects covering a wide range of facility types. Based within a multidisciplinary engineering and architecture team, the role ensures quality assurance across drawings, specifications, and cost estimates while researching and implementing innovative structural systems and techniques.
Accountabilities
- Prepare detailed structural engineering analysis, calculations, and designs for in-house and A/E design-build projects.
- Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates for a wide range of facility types including Naval Shore Facilities.
- Research standard structural systems, equipment, and techniques for structural design projects.
- Analyze and implement innovative processes, systems, and equipment on projects and specifications.
- Prepare final working drawings, project specifications, comparative cost analyses, and Requests for Proposals.
- Perform Quality Assurance reviews of drawings, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates from A/E firms.
- Perform technical administration and coordinate designs across multidisciplinary engineering and architecture teams.
Technical Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited Structural Engineering or Engineering Technology program.
- 5 or more years of systems design experience, including at least 1 year on Capital Improvement projects for a Federal Agency.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) highly preferred.
- Knowledgeable in current building codes and AASHTO codes.
- Familiar with the latest structural materials and construction methods.
- Experience in design of concrete, steel, timber, and masonry structures, including finite element analysis and modeling.
- Proficiency in RISA, SAP2000, SAFE, MathCAD, AutoCAD, and REVIT.
7. Civil Engineer (Campus Infrastructure & Construction Management)
As the Civil Engineer, this role shapes the full lifecycle of campus civil engineering projects, from design and bid documents through construction administration and field inspection across Architecture and Engineering, Campus Planning, and Construction Management departments. The Campus Planning and Engineering organization relies on this work to maintain safety compliance, manage consultant and contractor relationships, and ensure all local, state, and federal reviews are completed.
Activities
- Design civil engineering projects and develop studies, bid documents, construction cost estimates, budgets, and schedules.
- Evaluate consultant proposals and participate in the selection process.
- Coordinate project scope and budget with clients and manage projects through the bid and award process.
- Coordinate construction phase activities including budget monitoring, contract administration, and change management.
- Coordinate field inspections and testing and make field decisions on plan intent and contractor requests.
- Revise and approve design changes, prepare change orders, and authorize payments to consultants and contractors.
- Collaborate across Architecture and Engineering, Campus Planning, and Construction Management departments.
- Enforce applicable safety measures and verify all necessary local, state, and federal reviews and inspections occur.
- Coordinate with city and state agencies on projects within the right-of-way and assist with related permits.
- Attend professional training to maintain current knowledge of industry standards.
Position Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer preferred.
- 4 or more years of progressively responsible experience in design, construction, and project management.
- Some experience supervising professional design engineering staff.
- Attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
8. Civil Engineer (Solid Waste & Stormwater Engineering)
Civil Engineer owns end-to-end civil and environmental engineering work for solid waste facilities, land development, and stormwater systems, producing grading plans, hydrologic and hydraulic models, and environmental compliance documents across the full project lifecycle. The work directly supports construction oversight, remedial options evaluations, and bid specification development for clients in the solid waste and environmental sectors.
Operational Focus
- Assist with engineering design of solid waste facilities including landfills, transfer stations, recycling, and compost facilities.
- Develop grading plans, site plans, and other civil engineering designs for land development projects.
- Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, stormwater conveyance and retention design, and erosion and sediment control.
- Prepare environmental compliance documents, reports, technical memoranda, and engineering cost estimates.
- Develop bid specifications and contract documents and conduct remedial options evaluations.
- Perform construction oversight, environmental sampling, geotechnical drilling, and site reconnaissance.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities
- BS in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field, with MS preferred.
- EIT required, PE license desired.
- MSHA and/or OSHA HAZWOPER certification preferred.
- 2 to 7 years of engineering experience.
- Knowledge of solid waste, stormwater management, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, environmental regulations, and remediation practices.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD required.
- Ability to develop proficiency in Civil 3D, HEC programs, ArcGIS, SWMM, and GOLDSIM.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including MS Excel for data analysis.
- Ability to summarize scientific data and model outputs clearly.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving, time management, and field data collection skills.
- Valid driver's license with clean driving record required
9. Civil Engineer (Theme Park Infrastructure)
The Civil Engineer develops civil site, utility, and transportation infrastructure across a large resort property, supporting strategic asset management, GIS-based utility systems, and civil engineering code compliance as both an individual contributor and team member. Reporting to the Manager of Programs for Facility Sustaining Support, the role advances investment strategies for infrastructure maintenance and works with outside vendors, regulatory agencies, and internal leaders to resolve property-wide infrastructure issues.
Key Deliverables
- Provide civil engineering infrastructure support across the property as an individual contributor or team member.
- Support strategic planning and management of a GIS asset management system for property-wide utility infrastructure.
- Build investment strategies for utility infrastructure maintenance and enhancements using asset data and analysis.
- Support root cause analysis with solution options, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Provide subject matter expertise on civil engineering codes and regulations relevant to land development and environmental compliance.
- Work with outside vendors, local regulatory agencies, and internal leaders to resolve infrastructure issues.
- Stay current on developments in civil engineering technology, equipment, and materials.
Professional Experience
- Civil Engineer with 6 or more years of experience in land development, public utility, and municipal engineering.
- Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire through reciprocity.
- Experience in site layout, grading, drainage, wet utilities, stormwater management, and erosion and sedimentation control.
- Knowledge of industry codes and standards for new development and redevelopment, including associated environmental regulations.
- Experience with wet utility capacity modeling, water and sanitary sewer system design, and hydrologic and hydraulic analysis.
- Experience with storm and sanitary sewer maintenance, rehabilitation, strategic planning, and lift station evaluation.
- Proficiency in ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil3D, and hydraulic modeling software, including ICPR, Innovyze InfoSWMM, or Innovyze InfoWater.
- Experience with geotechnical study review, groundwater dewatering design, and environmental site mitigation.
10. Civil Engineer (Utility-Scale Solar Development)
Embedded within an Engineering Services group focused on renewable and alternative energy, the Civil Engineer oversees site development designs for utility-scale solar projects, producing analysis, calculations, large-scale grading plans, and stormwater run-off and retention designs from preliminary through detailed phases. Working closely with agencies, cross-discipline teams, and leadership across Proposal, Procurement, and Engineering Services, the role advances permitting, proposal development, and mentorship of entry and mid-level staff.
Areas of Ownership
- Independently evaluate and apply engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to site development projects.
- Work with agencies to establish and close permits for land-intensive projects.
- Develop designs for assigned systems including analysis, calculations, research, and layout to produce required design documents.
- Review prepared drawings and documents for conformance with design standards and applicable engineering codes.
- Plan, schedule, and analyze project scope, staffing, and budgeting.
- Coordinate design efforts across all disciplines and departments for moderate to large or complex projects.
- Mentor entry and mid-level employees, review work progress, and provide direction as needed.
- Support proposal development including engineering estimates, bid strategy, and customer follow-up.
- Communicate proposal and project status to leadership in Proposal, Procurement, and Engineering Services.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor of Science degree in a related engineering field.
- PE license required.
- Minimum of 7 years of civil engineering design experience.
- Experience in utility-scale solar development, large-scale grading, stormwater runoff and retention design, and permitting.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, Geopak, and drainage calculation software.
- Proficiency in spreadsheets and databases for engineering analysis and project tracking.
- Strong networking, team orientation, and self-motivation.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
11. Civil Engineer (Deep Space Network Facilities)
Reporting to the engineering leadership team, the Civil Engineer develops and supports civil infrastructure for NASA's Deep Space Network, assisting in the repair, replacement, and new layout of facilities including roads, culverts, pipelines, and structures across JPL and NASA operations. Partnering with vendors, the DSN Engineering Change Management Board, and internal teams, the role advances trade-off studies, Engineering Change Requests, and technical documentation to sustain interplanetary mission infrastructure.
Role Responsibilities
- Assist in project implementation of repairing or replacing existing systems and take technical lead on smaller projects.
- Participate in the DSN Antenna and Facilities Engineering System Design Team to represent operations and maintenance interests.
- Assist in developing layouts for new buildings and facilities assets including roads, culverts, pipelines, and structures.
- Provide field support for structural inspections following seismic activity and support fire protection and detection equipment.
- Assist with potable water storage, distribution, cathodic protection, treatment, pumping, and metering systems.
- Troubleshoot unknowns during modification projects, read and mark up engineering drawings, and document as-builts.
- Create trade-off studies by interfacing with vendors on replacement solutions and forecast end-of-life support for equipment.
- Support the DSN Engineering Change Management Board in developing, evaluating, and closing Engineering Change Requests and Discrepancy Reports.
Background & Experience
- BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, with a Master's degree preferred.
- EIT certification or PE license required.
- 2 or more years of related experience.
- Knowledge of industry standards, codes, maintenance reports, trending analysis, and equipment replacement specifications.
- Experience with HVAC components, analog and discrete inputs and outputs, and serial and parallel communication protocols.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, multi-task, adapt quickly, and think analytically with strong attention to detail.
- Spanish language ability is a plus.
Editorial Process and Content Quality
This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.
Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.
Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.
Learn more about our editorial standards.