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Civil transportation engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.,
Pooja Preetha Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical civil transportation engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for civil transportation engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 14.6% of civil transportation engineer resumes contained civil 3d as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a civil transportation engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 civil transportation 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 transportation engineers use civil 3d:
  • Water main alignment design in Civil 3D Sidewalk improvement/prioritization study Exhibit preparation and concept cost estimates in Civil 3D.
  • Utilize Civil 3D software to produce dynamic profiles, cross sections, existing and proposed surfaces and tables.

2. Transportation Projects

Transportation Projects refer to construction projects that will offer various modes of public transportation. This may be a subway system, bus line, or monorail. The project can be constructing an entirely new system or an improvement on existing transportation system. The transportation constructed may be based on what the community needs most or what can be afforded.

Here's how civil transportation engineers use transportation projects:
  • Performed environmental documentation and permitting for numerous transportation projects.
  • Prepared technical reports for development of transportation projects.

3. Inroads

Inroad is used to describe a direct or noticeable effect on something or somebody. It is a situation whereby a person or something becomes more important or successful by making another less important or successful.

Here's how civil transportation engineers use inroads:
  • Assisted with the management of Bentley software packages; MicroStation, InRoads, and ProjectWise.
  • Supported 3D utilities modeling (Fiber optic, Gas and Telephone) using InRoads program.

4. Roadway Design

Roadway design is the process of designing a road. Though the process may sound simple, roadway designers develop 2D and 3D renderings of the roadway to be constructed in addition to offering material recommendations, detailing the construction site, and outlining a general agenda for construction. This design must also abide by any federal and state roadway regulations.

Here's how civil transportation engineers use roadway design:
  • Performed traffic operations analysis and geometric roadway design including horizontal and vertical curve design as well as traffic impact study.
  • Assisted civil engineers on several key government projects involving roadway designs and improvement.

5. Design Reviews

A dеѕіgn review іѕ a mіlеѕtоnе wіthіn a рrоduсt dеvеlорmеnt рrосеѕѕ іn whісh a design іѕ evaluated bаѕеd on іtѕ rеԛuіrеmеntѕ. Thе рurроѕе of dеѕіgn rеvіеwѕ іѕ tо examine thе overall design or a ѕресіfіс аѕресt оf a dеѕіgn аt еасh ѕtаgе of the development оf a nеw оr еxіѕtіng рrоduсt.

Here's how civil transportation engineers use design reviews:
  • Design reviews, risk assessments from a technical standpoint.
  • Participated in design reviews and meetings on site.

6. Design Calculations

Here's how civil transportation engineers use design calculations:
  • Developed and Checked design calculation of an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan.
  • Performed sewer design calculations to determine sewage discharge capacity.

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7. Design Software

Design software is used to create, edit, and display various types of graphics and images, including but not limited to photography, 3D design, and the website interface. It enables users to create a wide variety of visual files and offers various tools and functions to enhance the user's artistic skills and techniques. Some features include design, image editing, and digital illustration. Design software might also reference the actual act of creating a piece of software or application with a larger business or product goal in mind.

Here's how civil transportation engineers use design software:
  • Use of Microstation, CAICE and design software to prepare the design alternatives.

8. DOT

Here's how civil transportation engineers use dot:
  • Compromised with the Departments of Transportation (DOT) in both counties.
  • Design and drafting of ramp on side walk on Chicago DOT.

9. 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 transportation engineers use gis:
  • Worked with the MIS/GIS department to update the town's assessor's maps through new 1.3 million dollar GIS program.
  • Create Geographic Information System (GIS) maps for field investigations.

10. Traffic Engineering

Here's how civil transportation engineers use traffic engineering:
  • Traffic Engineering ACTIVITIES Member- American Society of Civil Engineers and Institute of Transportation Engineers: 2011-present
  • Design and optimize transportation systems by actively liaising with multidisciplinary teams integrating innovative urban design concepts with traffic engineering methodologies.

11. 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 transportation engineers use technical reports:
  • Reviewed technical report on traffic analysis of Benning road street car corridor.
  • Initiated highway safety improvement projects by writing technical reports that included a preliminary design and cost estimate.

12. Construction Management

Here's how civil transportation engineers use construction management:
  • Provided engineering and construction management support for projects in support of counter drug and illegal immigration agencies operating in the Southwest.
  • Performed project inspection and construction management, which included field concrete testing and documenting materials and events.

13. Highway Design

Highway design is an engineering field that branches from civil engineering. It includes design, planning, operation, construction, and maintenance of roads, tunnels, and bridges to ensure prudent and efficient transportation of goods and people. The linear design of a highway revolves around the dimensions and layout of visible features of the highway such as vertical and horizontal alignments along with sight distances and intersections.

Here's how civil transportation engineers use highway design:
  • Reviewed highway design projects and encroachment permits from a traffic operations perspective.
  • Involved in plan preparation exhibits, Highway design and planning using Micro station.

14. 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 transportation engineers use construction projects:
  • Field certified through American Concrete Institute (ACI) to perform sampling and testing of concrete on construction projects.
  • Project leader for design projects and assistant project leader for construction projects on state trunk highways.

15. Caltrans

Here's how civil transportation engineers use caltrans:
  • Reviewed consultant-prepared reports to check both technical content and conformity to Caltrans policies and procedures.
  • Interchange (Caltrans) Received ASCE Awards of Merit in 2007 * First major infrastructure project of KHA California region.
top-skills

What skills help Civil Transportation 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 transportation engineer resumes?

Pooja Preetha Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Alabama A&M University

According to my previous experiences, they are a combination of soft skills like creative thinking, problem-solving and hard skills like strong math and project management with the knowledge of tools like AutoCAD and GIS.

What soft skills should all civil transportation 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 transportation 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 transportation 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 transportation 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.

List of civil transportation engineer skills to add to your resume

Civil transportation engineer skills

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

  • Civil 3D
  • Transportation Projects
  • Inroads
  • Roadway Design
  • Design Reviews
  • Design Calculations
  • Design Software
  • DOT
  • GIS
  • Traffic Engineering
  • Technical Reports
  • Construction Management
  • Highway Design
  • Construction Projects
  • Caltrans
  • HCS
  • Engineering Calculations
  • MUTCD
  • Signage
  • Cost Estimates
  • Data Collection
  • Capital Improvement Projects
  • Construction Administration
  • FHWA
  • Interchange
  • Plan Preparation
  • Geotechnical
  • Traffic Control
  • Project Proposals
  • Civil Engineering
  • Shop Drawings
  • Construction Inspection
  • State Highways
  • Routine Engineering Assignments
  • Construction Oversight
  • Retaining Walls

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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