Civil engineers consult with clients to plan and design structures like roads, buildings, and dams. They prepare reports, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for projects. Civil engineers also supervise construction to ensure structures are built correctly and assess environmental impacts of developments. A bachelor's degree in civil engineering is required, and civil engineers typically work regular business hours but may need to work evenings, weekends, or be on call.

1. Career 1: CIVIL ENGINEER
Job Description
● consult with clients, government officials and other professionals on the requirements of
each project
● evaluate the suitability of proposed construction and development sites
● plan and design structures such as roads, drainage systems, buildings, dams or
wharves
● work out whether structures will be able to withstand the loads that will be placed on
them by people, weather and other natural forces
● prepare reports, working drawings and specifications
● prepare cost estimates and evaluate the cost efficiency of projects
● assess environmental impacts of proposed developments
● get plans approved by relevant authorities and obtain building permits
● supervise construction to ensure structures are built correctly
● ensure assets such as water plants and roading are efficiently managed.
Working Conditions
● usually work regular business hours, but may need to work evenings and weekends or
be on call
● work in offices and in the fields at locations such as construction sites
Approximate Salary - $55,000/year (Bonuses, and a company car)
Career Path
● Bachelor of Engineering - BE
● Bachelor of Engineering Honours - BE(Hons).
Education Required
● civil engineering and surveying methods
● relevant legislation such as the Resource Management Act, the New Zealand Building
Code, by-laws and town planning regulations
● building materials, and how they work.
Post-Secondary training
● A university entrance qualification (NCEA Level 3) is required. Useful subjects include
English, maths with calculus, physics and chemistry.
Why is this a good career for you
Civil engineers need to be:
● skilled at analysing and interpreting information
● practical and logical, with good problem-solving skills
● safety-conscious
● good at planning and organising
● creative and innovative, with good design skills
● able to work well under pressure
● able to work independently and in a team.