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Senior civil engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Sherif Ishak Ph.D.,

Pooja Preetha Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior civil engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for senior civil engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.2% of senior civil engineer resumes contained civil 3d as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior civil engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior 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 senior 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.
Utilize Civil 3D software to produce dynamic profiles, cross sections, existing and proposed surfaces and tables.

2. Project Management

Here's how senior civil engineers use project management:

Bridge Design / Utility/Sanitary/Sewer Design / Land Development / Supervision / Project Management Construction biding and estimating.
Performed project management duties including scope management, time management and cost management.

3. CAD

Here's how senior civil engineers use cad:

Supervised Cad designers and entry level engineers in managing and producing major highway design projects.
Designed and drafted construction plans for industrial and health care projects using MicroStation CAD and GEOPAK.

4. Construction Management

Here's how senior civil engineers use construction management:

Supervised traffic engineering, construction management, and development engineering sections of the City Public Works Department.
Maintained and updated construction Management System including distress surveys on site.

5. Geotechnical

Here's how senior civil engineers use geotechnical:

Managed a geotechnical investigation that included determining boring locations and soliciting bids.
Performed numerous geotechnical investigations and drafted reports on findings.

6. Business Development

Business development is the ideas or initiatives that work to make business work better. Selling, advertising, product development, supply chain management, and vendor management are only a few of the divisions involved with it. There is still a lot of networking, negotiating, forming alliances, and trying to save money. The goals set for business development guide and coordinate with all of these various operations and sectors.

Here's how senior civil engineers use business development:

Performed project planning, budgeting, economic analysis and business development.
Traveled extensively to cultivate new business development endeavors in Asia.

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7. Site Development

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

Here's how senior civil engineers use site development:

Perform initial acceptance inspection for site preparation, site Development and transportation projects.
Reviewed / revised drawings for underground drainage systems, storm runoffs, sewers, and site development.

8. 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 senior civil engineers use construction projects:

Reviewed and approved plans for water construction projects submitted by engineering consulting firms for accuracy and conformance with city standards.
Planned and executed military construction projects for high visible mission critical resources.

9. Stormwater Management

Here's how senior civil engineers use stormwater management:

Developed stormwater management plans for mine operation and closure.

10. Wastewater

Wastewater refers to the used water from any combination of industrial, commercial domestic, or agricultural activities. This also refers to stormwater, surface runoff water, and any water that goes into the sewer or sewer infiltration.

Here's how senior civil engineers use wastewater:

Analyzed alternatives for shoreline protection projects and regional wastewater treatment plants.
Review existing Wastewater Treatment Plants Operational Capability.

11. Hec Ras

Here's how senior civil engineers use hec ras:

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

12. Site Layout

Here's how senior civil engineers use site layout:

Designed site layouts, grading and utility plans for NYC and NJ public sector projects Incorporated LEED design criteria into site plans
Assisted in site layout, site grading and utilities plans for two multi story commercial building.

13. Design Drawings

Here's how senior civil engineers use design drawings:

Developed and produced conceptual, preliminary and final roadway design drawings.
Review & Implementation of structural & Architectural shop drawings to ensure conformance to design drawings & specification.

14. Civil Engineering Design

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

Performed Civil Engineering design for infrastructure development projects from inception to completion.
Supervised one civil engineering designer.

15. SR

Here's how senior civil engineers use sr:

Lead Project Structural Engineer for PENNDOT-owned 2-span continuous p/s concrete I-beam bridge carrying Brownsville Connector over SR 0043.
Design review and modifications for Sr. Center in Graham County, NC.

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

Mike Sessions

Department Chair & Professor, Brigham Young University - Idaho

Our graduates find work all over the US, but more particularly in the western US, because western-based contractors tend to recruit at BYU-Idaho more than do eastern-based contractors. Utah, California, and Arizona seem to capture more of our students than do other western states.

What type of skills will young senior 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 senior 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 senior civil engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Civil 3D
Project Management
CAD
Construction Management
Geotechnical
Business Development
Site Development
Construction Projects
Stormwater Management
Wastewater
Hec Ras
Site Layout
Design Drawings
Civil Engineering Design
SR
Project Specifications
Technical Specifications

Technical Support
Oil Gas
Rehabilitation
Civil Engineering
Roadway Design
Construction Administration
Construction Cost Estimates
Construction Oversight
Construction Drawings
Conveyance
Technical Guidance
Pump Stations
Renewable Energy
Structural Design
Water Treatment
Government Agencies
Contract Administration

Construction Inspection
Technical Assistance
Various Design
Lead Design
CIP
Retaining Walls
A/E
Creek
Site Inspections
Preliminary Design
Shop Drawings
Provide Technical Assistance
Demolition
RFIs
Calculation

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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