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What does a Civil Designer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A civil designer is responsible for the design of various civil engineering projects, such as roads, bridges, and sewer systems. They must take into account the environmental impact of the project, as well as the budget and schedule.

Civil Designer job duties include:

  • Coordinate with architects and engineers to develop designs
  • Convert designs into detailed drawings and specifications
  • Select appropriate construction materials
  • Estimate costs and prepare bids for projects
  • Inspect project sites to ensure compliance with design specifications
  • Investigate damage, accidents, or delays at construction sites
  • Prepare reports and documentation related to project design and progress
  • Assist in the development of construction schedules and methods
  • Manage or participate in the work of drafters and other technicians

Civil Designer Job Requirements

A civil designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, although some jobs may only require an associate's degree. Certification is not always required, but it may be beneficial to become a Certified Professional Engineer (CPE). Previous experience in the field is also helpful.

Civil Designer Skills

  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • Civil 3D
  • MicroStation
  • InRoads
  • GEOPAK
  • MX
  • PDS
  • AutoTurn
  • InfraWorks
  • StormCAD

Related: Top Civil Designer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Civil Designer

A civil designer is a professional who designs and oversees the construction of public works projects, such as bridges, highways, water and sewer systems, and other infrastructure. To become a civil designer, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. After graduation, many civil designers choose to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.

Once you have earned your degree, you will need to obtain a professional engineer (PE) license in order to practice civil engineering in most states. To do this, you will need to pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Once you have passed these exams, you will be able to find work as a civil designer with a engineering firm or government agency.

As a civil designer, you will be responsible for the planning and design of public works projects. This will involve working with other engineers and architects to develop plans and specifications for the construction of new infrastructure. You will also need to oversee the construction of these projects to ensure that they are built according to your plans. In addition, you may also be responsible for maintaining and repairing existing infrastructure.

If you are interested in becoming a civil designer, you should start by earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. Once you have obtained your degree, you can then take the necessary steps to obtain your professional engineer license. With these credentials, you will be able to find work as a civil designer with an engineering firm or government agency.

Related: Civil Designer Resume Example

Related: Civil Designer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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