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Junior civil engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Sherif Ishak Ph.D.,

Pooja Preetha Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical junior civil engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for junior civil engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 18.4% of junior civil engineer resumes contained civil 3d as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a junior civil engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 junior 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 junior 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.
Used Civil 3D 2007 to design a campus residential hall on the OU campus, including drainage design.

2. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how junior civil engineers use data collection:

Maintained data collection equipment prior to and during Developmental and Operational Test Exercises.
Documented and submitted procedures for both database construction and data collection.

3. 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 junior civil engineers use technical reports:

Collected and tested samples, optimized infrastructure, and prepared technical reports related to improving filtration processes and water quality standards.
Performed engineering site investigations and prepared approximately three hundred (300) technical reports for insurance industry clients.

4. 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 junior civil engineers use construction projects:

Helped develop and execute engineering and construction projects with focus on integrating design and construction of facilities and building.
Performed computations to estimate optimal requirements of construction materials for a variety of building designs and construction projects.

5. 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 junior civil engineers use design software:

Used computer-assisted engineering design software to prepare engineering and design documents.
Use of Microstation, CAICE and design software to prepare the design alternatives.

6. Storm Water

Here's how junior civil engineers use storm water:

Prepare Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Design storm water management systems that comply with the City/County low impact development (LID) regulations and requirements.

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7. Geotechnical

Here's how junior civil engineers use geotechnical:

Perform geotechnical instrumentation monitoring and data collection
Provided geotechnical recommendations and construction considerations.

8. Construction Sites

A piece of land where constructional activities are to be conducted is termed as a construction site.

Here's how junior civil engineers use construction sites:

Participated in field surveys at construction sites, dredging sites, and traffic count locations.
Conducted inspections of construction sites, monitoring progress to ensure compliance with plans, and identifying/reporting safety and environmental violations.

9. Design Drawings

Here's how junior civil engineers use design drawings:

Coordinated with hired contractors to execute company contracts on time and according to design drawings.
Prepare hydraulic computation and design drawings for public and private plazas per NYCDEP and NYCDDC requirements.

10. Construction Management

Here's how junior civil engineers use construction management:

Performed project inspection and construction management, which included field concrete testing and documenting materials and events.
Assisted in overseeing the entire buildings turnover process, while enhancing communication between all construction management.

11. Civil Engineering Design

Here's how junior civil engineers use civil engineering design:

Provided civil engineering design, contract bid documents and coordination with other engineering departments for GM Manufacturing and assembly plants.
Performed civil engineering design related to roadway construction according to AASHTO, also prepared contract documents and construction cost estimates.

12. Construction Drawings

Here's how junior civil engineers use construction drawings:

Assisted with production of construction drawings in AutoCad.
Prepared the construction drawings using Autodesk AutoCAD.

13. Shop Drawings

Here's how junior civil engineers use shop drawings:

Prepared preliminary drawings and shop drawings, checked design calculations.
Reviewed shop drawings and monitored construction.

14. Site Design

Here's how junior civil engineers use site design:

Prepared design plans, project specifications and cost estimates for both site design and municipal projects.
provided site design and land development.

15. Engineering Calculations

Here's how junior civil engineers use engineering calculations:

Performed all engineering calculations and cost estimation.
Investigated, analyzed and performed structural engineering calculations on building components for repairs, construction or recommendations.

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What skills help Junior 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 junior civil engineer resumes?

Sherif Ishak Ph.D.

Professor and Department Chair, Old Dominion University

Technical competencies are important to show on resumes. However, in today's market, employers are looking for other skill sets such as communication, leadership, entrepreneurship, and evidence of professional development at time of graduation. It is very important to emphasize such skill set on the resume to convince employers that you are a well rounded person and have the capacity to continue learning and gaining experience on the job.

What soft skills should all junior 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 junior 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 junior 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 junior 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.

What technical skills for a junior civil engineer stand out to employers?

Norb Delatte Ph.D.

M.R. Lohmann Endowed Professor of Engineering and Head, Oklahoma State University

Employers are looking for strong design technical skills, and the ability to master design software rapidly. Professional and people skills are also important, because many of these positions deal with the public and with stakeholders.

Do you want to know more?

List of junior civil engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Civil 3D
Data Collection
Technical Reports
Construction Projects
Design Software
Storm Water
Geotechnical
Construction Sites
Design Drawings
Construction Management
Civil Engineering Design
Construction Drawings
Shop Drawings

Site Design
Engineering Calculations
Construction Materials
GIS
As-Built
Design Calculations
Public Works
Commercial Development
Construction Inspection
Construction Cost Estimates
Revit
Project Documentation
Construction Schedule

Retaining Walls
Auto CAD
Conveyance
Structural Design
Site Inspections
Material Specifications
Contract Administration
Residential Buildings
Design Reviews
PowerPoint
Site Plan
Concrete Structures
RFI

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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