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Civil engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

M. Stephen Enders Ph.D.,

Pooja Preetha Ph.D.

One of the most important hard skills a civil engineer can possess is experience with using Civil 3D because this software is widely utilized within this profession for all civil engineering projects. It's also important for civil engineers to have the hard skill of project management.

When it comes to soft skills, civil engineers should have strong time management skills above all else. Civil engineers need to manage large teams and lots of complex facets of project planning, so good multitasking skills are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical civil engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for civil engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.5% of civil engineer resumes contained civil 3d as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a civil engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 civil engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Civil 3D

Civil 3D is computer software that allows architects and engineers to plan and design structural engineering projects. An architectural design crafted through civil 3D software is also supported by Computer-Aided Designs (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). The software makes it easy for architects and engineers to correct any potential flaws and make changes in the structural design of a building quickly and efficiently.

Here's how civil engineers use civil 3d:

Water main alignment design in Civil 3D Sidewalk improvement/prioritization study Exhibit preparation and concept cost estimates in Civil 3D.
Created profiles for sewer lines, water lines, bore pits, and curb and gutter designs using Civil 3D.

2. Engineering Design

Engineering design is defined as the method that engineers use to recognize and solve problems. It is an extensive and flexible approach to problem-solving and provides the necessary information needed regarding every step of the process. An engineering design is a collaborative effort of the team to identify problems underlying a process and find out ways to solve them.

Here's how civil engineers use engineering design:

Prepare preliminary construction cost estimates as part of engineering design feasibility reports, project budgets, and applications for project funding.
Reviewed and performed audits of construction documents for telecommunications tower, civil site, architectural, and microwave engineering designs.

3. Cost Estimates

Here's how civil engineers use cost estimates:

Prepared construction and environmental compliance documents; developed grading plans, cost estimates and bid specifications; and provided construction oversight.
Reviewed/approved construction project submissions, developed project cost estimates, formulated annual shipyard facilities repair/maintenance plan, and tracked program budget.

4. Project Management

Here's how civil engineers use project management:

Worked with lead project engineer to review commercial and residential development plans on several major projects while assisting in project management.
Provide civil engineering support including project design, construction coordination, and project management for capital projects.

5. Construction Projects

A construction project is an organized process of constructing, redeveloping, renovating, or otherwise improving a building, or structure. The project phase begins usually as a broad criterion that is then made with the help of a brief, feasibility analysis, funding, and planning. The majority of construction projects are one-time jobs.

Here's how civil engineers use construction projects:

Collaborate in developing take-offs/estimates/budgets; co-managed and supervised trades on-site for 9-floor high rise condominium and 190-store shopping mall construction projects.
Planned, designed, scheduled, monitored construction cost control and construction management of Residential Subdivision and Airport runway construction projects.

6. Engineering Projects

An engineering project is a human activity that can vary widely in scope and encompasses all parts of the design of manufacturing or processing facilities, whether new or modifications and expansions of existing facilities focusing on meeting needs.

Here's how civil engineers use engineering projects:

Designed various engineering projects which included plan development, cost and quantity estimates, contract and specification preparation and drafting.
Provided technical advice to program managers and field stations regarding design and construction of civil engineering projects.

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7. Site Development

Site developments are the improvements made on a site in preparations for construction.

Here's how civil engineers use site development:

Job Description: Performed general civil design for residential and commercial site development projects.
Managed projects from beginning to completion including design, site development and client communication.

8. Storm Water

Here's how civil engineers use storm water:

Develop soil erosion/sediment control and post construction storm water management plans that conform to the regulation of local jurisdictions.
Demonstrated expertise in State and local municipal regulations that concern storm water and solid waste management.

9. Civil Design

Here's how civil engineers use civil design:

Position included civil design, construction support, airfield pavements and ongoing support of shops/maintenance operations.
Perform civil design analysis and calculations according to project requirements.

10. Hec Ras

Here's how civil engineers use hec ras:

Assisted with a HEC RAS model analysis for existing and proposed culverts crossing on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

11. GIS

A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing and presenting various forms of geographic data.

Here's how civil engineers use gis:

Digitized maps and geographic feature data into the GIS database following established procedures and sequences to update layers within the system.
Surveyed with a total station and data collector for future projects to help the GIS department create an accurate plan drawing.

12. Geotechnical

Here's how civil engineers use geotechnical:

Processed Geotechnical Data, performed visit fields, prepared presentations to show information in meetings with professionals of different areas.
Managed multidisciplinary teams; Civil, Geotechnical, Structural to analyze project alternatives and environmental impacts.

13. Design Drawings

Here's how civil engineers use design drawings:

Collaborated with the mine and another engineering company to develop final design drawings and specifications for the track improvements.
Supervised earthworks and concrete structures construction to ensure compliance with specifications and reviewed design drawings.

14. Technical Reports

Technical reports are a type of document that is used to indicate either the progress, result, or process of scientific research or the state of problems occurring within such research. A technical report may also showcase the report's overall conclusion and may also include recommendations. This kind of report does not require a peer review and isn't published officially but distributed within the organizations where it was formed.

Here's how civil engineers use technical reports:

Performed engineering site investigations and prepared approximately three hundred (300) technical reports for insurance industry clients.
Prepared appropriate documentation supporting evaluations and analysis (e.g., calculations, technical reports).

15. Project Specifications

A Project Specification is a document that details the plan of a project and how its execution is going to look down to its specifics. It explains how the project will be managed by outlining its features, objectives, budget, goals, roles, descriptions, and timeline for delivery. A project specification is necessary for any project to be successful since it's a comprehensive document with everything needed by the user.

Here's how civil engineers use project specifications:

Experience also involves verification of material conformance with project specifications and determination of allowable soil bearing capacity.
Prepare technical guidelines and master specifications, review project specifications and maintain technical files and bidder lists.

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What skills help Civil Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on civil engineer resumes?

M. Stephen Enders Ph.D.

Professor & Department Head, Colorado School of Mines

The most important thing that stands out in resumes is past job experiences, particularly student internships in relevant companies. This demonstrates a student's ability to work safely and effectively in the workplace. The companies that employ our students expect them to have a fundamental proficiency in the basic sciences and mathematics as well as in the principles of engineering. Although this is necessary, it is not sufficient for most companies. They prefer graduates with demonstrated strong interpersonal, communication, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking skills. They also want to see evidence that graduates can integrate and analyze multidisciplinary datasets, and they would really like to see computer coding and modeling expertise. On top of all of these attributes, companies also want to hire leaders and those who have a fundamental understanding or societal issues that impact their industry. This is a lot to expect. Students can get some of this from coursework and active participation in student clubs and other organizations.

Additionally: Presentation skills - written and oral. Management skills - CSM mining engineers have 3 to 4 courses focusing on management (mine operations, safety, construction and project mgt.), plus opportunities to work as crew fore(wo)men at the Edgar mine, where they get to lead small teams of junior classmates and assume responsibility for safety and job completion.

What soft skills should all civil engineers possess?

Pooja Preetha Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Alabama A&M University

I would say communication skills, creativity, the ability to mold yourself and work under pressure, keeping the cool at any condition, a few leadership initiatives, and being fast-paced.

What hard/technical skills are most important for civil engineers?

Pooja Preetha Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Alabama A&M University

Hard skills serve as the most important, in my opinion. If you are technically sound, have reasonable computer skills and good Microsoft office suite adaptability, and have strong presentation skills, you should be able to make it.

What civil engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Bin (Brenda) Zhou Ph.D.

Professor, Central Connecticut State University

With the shrinking market of design/office work during the pandemic, I see two options for a graduate. One is to go to graduate school, and the other is to work in the field. Graduate education generally transforms a student from a generalist to a specialist, so, choose a study area carefully. In addition to gaining specialized knowledge at graduate school, students may use the time, up to certain limits, to fulfill engineering experience requirements when applying for a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Check each state's professional licensing boards for details. Most students with a BS in civil engineering prefer a design job, but field experience can be supplementary and beneficial to the design work that an engineer will do in the future. Such experiences broaden students' perspectives, and make them better engineers, because they will pay attention to constructability in their designs. A word of caution: stay agile and keep an eye on emerging opportunities. Do not get too comfortable and stay there for too long, unless construction management is your passion.

What type of skills will young civil engineers need?

Andy Gerrick

Associate Professor and Chair, Embry-Riddle, Prescott

Most important is the ability to pull together the problem-solving skills learned in the different engineering courses to solve real-world, multidisciplinary, engineering problems. This requires a clear understanding of the problem and the requirements, and it requires a thorough understanding of engineering concepts. Memorizing problem solutions is of no value because no one will pay you to solve a problem that has already been solved. An engineer’s ability to communicate is also extremely important. Engineering is a collaborative endeavor, so if you are not able to communicate your ideas, you are not contributing.

Do you want to know more?

List of civil engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a civil engineer resume and required skills for a civil engineer to have include:

Civil 3D
Engineering Design
Cost Estimates
Project Management
Construction Projects
Engineering Projects
Site Development
Storm Water
Civil Design
Hec Ras
GIS
Geotechnical
Design Drawings
Technical Reports
Project Specifications
Construction Management

Wastewater
Construction Drawings
Roadway Design
Engineering Calculations
Design Calculations
Technical Specifications
Rehabilitation
PowerPoint
HEC-RAS
Traffic Control
Erosion Control
Sanitary Sewer
Drainage Design
Demolition
Construction Sites
ArcGIS

Aided Design
Technical Support
Structural Design
Renewable Energy
Conveyance
Shop Drawings
Retaining Walls
Government Agencies
ACI
Design Specifications
Construction Inspection
Calculation
OSHA
Good Communication
Feasibility Studies
SWPPP

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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