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What does a Senior Civil Engineer do?

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

Published 3 min read

A Senior Civil Engineer is responsible for the design and construction of public and private sector projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, and water and sewer systems. They may also be involved in the planning and management of these projects.

Senior Civil Engineer job duties include:

  • Act as project manager on civil engineering projects
  • Oversee the work of junior engineers and technicians
  • Liaise with clients, architects and other professionals
  • Prepare feasibility studies and reports
  • Undertake complex calculations
  • Use computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • Manage budgets and project resources
  • Monitor construction work to ensure it is carried out to specification
  • Investigate site conditions and analyze data

Senior Civil Engineer Job Requirements

A Senior Civil Engineer is responsible for the design and construction of public and private sector projects such as bridges, roads, dams, and buildings. They must have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and many employers require a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Senior Civil Engineers typically have 5-10 years of experience.

Senior Civil Engineer Skills

  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Organizational
  • Time management
  • Computer
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Presentation

Related: Top Senior Civil Engineer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Senior Civil Engineer

A Senior Civil Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and supervises the construction of infrastructure projects. They are responsible for the safety and quality of the finished product. Senior Civil Engineers typically have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, although some may have a master's degree or higher. They must also be licensed by the state in which they practice.

The first step to becoming a Senior Civil Engineer is to earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. Many universities offer five-year programs that allow students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in civil engineering. During your undergraduate studies, you will take courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science, as well as engineering principles and design. You will also complete an internship with a civil engineering firm, which will give you practical experience in the field.

After you have earned your degree, you must then pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam administered by your state's Board of Professional Engineers. Once you have passed the FE exam, you can then apply for a license to practice civil engineering in your state. Once you are licensed, you can then work as a Senior Civil Engineer.

In order to become a Senior Civil Engineer, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. You will then need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and apply for a license to practice civil engineering in your state. With a license and experience, you can then work as a Senior Civil Engineer.

Related: Senior Civil Engineer Resume Example

Related: Senior Civil Engineer 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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